Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks follows through on a pass in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at American Airlines Center on December 12, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

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Tyler Erzberger

By Tyler Erzberger

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Since 2003, LeBron James has been breaking records in the NBA.

Now on the Los Angeles Lakers and a few weeks from turning 41 years old, “The King” is still smashing every ceiling left for him to shatter in the world of basketball.

But Monday night, though, one of James’ first records he ever achieved in the NBA was cleared by a fellow No. 1 overall pick who wants to create his own chapter in history.

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Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg broke James’ record for most points in an NBA half for an 18-year-old with 24 against the Utah Jazz.

Flagg and James are the only two 18-year-olds in NBA history to score over 20 in a single half.

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DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 12: Cooper Flagg #32 and teammate Ryan Nembhard #9 of the Dallas Mavericks talk in the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at American Airlines Center on December 12, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

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James completed his feat two days before his 19th birthday, on Dec. 28, 2003 against the Portland Trail Blazers for the Cleveland Cavaliers. James ended the game with 32 points on 15 of 23 shooting in a win over Portland.

Flagg lost in his record-breaking performance, but he one-upped LeBron by scoring 40, the first 18-year-old to ever do it in the NBA. It took James a few months into the 2004 season, when he was 19, to break 40, putting up 41 against the then-New Jersey Nets.

Flagg’s next game will be on Thursday as the Dallas Mavericks take on the Detroit Pistons (21-5), who are currently atop the Eastern Conference.

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