The Dallas Mavericks will face the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday night without rookie forward Cooper Flagg, who is sidelined due to a midfoot sprain. This injury prevents Flagg from playing ahead of the NBA All-Star break, impacting the Mavericks’ lineup against the Lakers.
Details on Cooper Flagg’s Injury and Absence
Before Thursday’s game, the Mavericks confirmed that Cooper Flagg will not participate due to a left midfoot sprain. The team’s public relations office disclosed that Flagg underwent an MRI which diagnosed the injury, sustained during Dallas’ game against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
The Mavericks announced today that forward/guard Cooper Flagg underwent an MRI that revealed a left midfoot sprain.
The injury occurred in Dallas’ game at PHX on Tuesday. Flagg will miss the team’s game at LAL on Thursday as well as the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars game on Friday.
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) February 12, 2026
Due to this injury, Flagg will sit out both the contest against the Lakers and the upcoming 2026 Castrol Rising Stars game scheduled for Friday. His absence marks a significant blow to the Mavericks as they approach the All-Star break.
Flagg’s Performance and Team Context This Season
As the 2026 NBA Draft’s top overall pick from Duke, Cooper Flagg has quickly become a crucial player for Dallas during his rookie season. He currently averages 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting an efficient 48.2%. His scoring prowess was on full display recently, including a 27-point effort in the loss to Phoenix, part of a five-game losing streak for Dallas.
In the four games prior to Tuesday, Flagg scored 14, 32, 36, and 34 points respectively, establishing himself as one of the Mavericks’ leading contributors. Despite this streak, Dallas is struggling to find consistency after last season’s major trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
Roster Challenges Leading into the Lakers Game
The Mavericks will be missing more than just Flagg for the Lakers clash. Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are also sidelined, while Caleb Martin, Ryan Nembhard, and Moussa Cisse remain doubtful to suit up. This leaves Dallas with a depleted roster, intensifying the difficulty of breaking their losing streak.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles faces its own lineup issues. Former Maverick Luka Dončić continues to recover from a left hamstring strain, and Deandre Ayton is sidelined due to right knee soreness, raising uncertainties for the hosting Lakers.
Implications for the Mavericks and the NBA All-Star Weekend
Cooper Flagg’s injury not only impacts the Mavericks’ immediate game plans but also robs All-Star Weekend attendees of witnessing the promising rookie’s talents. The team appears focused on building around Flagg’s skills for future seasons, making his current absence even more pronounced during this crucial stretch.
With key players unavailable on both teams, the upcoming Mavericks versus Lakers matchup will test the depth and resilience of each roster. How Dallas navigates this challenge without Flagg could influence their momentum heading into the midseason break and beyond.
The Mavericks announced today that forward/guard Cooper Flagg underwent an MRI that revealed a left midfoot sprain.
The injury occurred in Dallas’ game at PHX on Tuesday. Flagg will miss the team’s game at LAL on Thursday as well as the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars game on Friday.
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) February 12, 2026
