Dallas Mavericks Win NBA Draft Lottery With 1.8% Odds, LeBron James Reacts

The Dallas Mavericks defied the odds by winning the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery with only a 1.8% chance, securing the first overall pick and the opportunity to draft highly touted freshman Cooper Flagg. This surprising outcome came months after the Mavericks traded franchise star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and draft compensation, a move that initially drew heavy criticism. The lottery result prompted widespread skepticism and accusations of rigging, fueled in part by LeBron James's cryptic reaction of laughing emojis and his past comments questioning the legitimacy of NBA lotteries. Despite missing the postseason, the Mavericks now have a promising future with potential superstar additions including Flagg, alongside established stars Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. The lottery win marks only the second time in franchise history Dallas has held the top draft pick and represents the largest upward jump in lottery spots ever recorded. Fans and analysts alike are intrigued by the possibility that the Mavericks could quickly transform into a championship contender following such a dramatic offseason and draft lottery outcome.