Context:

The Dallas Mavericks unexpectedly won the 2025 NBA Draft lottery with only a 1.8% chance, securing the top pick likely to select Duke star Cooper Flagg. This surprising win comes months after the controversial trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, which led to fan speculation about the lottery potentially being rigged. Despite losing in the NBA Play-In tournament and facing uncertainties about the franchise's future, this victory offers the Mavericks a new opportunity for rebuilding. NBA stars, including LeBron James, reacted to the news with humor, while Kyrie Irving, recovering from ACL surgery, expressed disbelief via social media. The Mavericks' win marks a dramatic twist in their recent turbulent journey, potentially transforming their prospects with the addition of Flagg.

Dive Deeper:

• The Dallas Mavericks secured the number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft despite having a slim 1.8% chance, making it a major surprise and sparking reactions across the league.

• The lottery win occurred months after the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, a move that stirred controversy and questions about the team's future direction.

• Fans speculated about the possibility of the draft being rigged in favor of Dallas due to the unexpected outcome, given the low probability of winning the top pick.

• Kyrie Irving, who previously formed a key duo with Doncic and is currently recovering from ACL surgery, expressed his surprise and amusement at the lottery result on social media.

• The Mavericks' win in the draft lottery provides them with a significant opportunity to reshape their franchise by potentially selecting Cooper Flagg, a highly regarded prospect from Duke.

• NBA stars like LeBron James reacted to the news with humor, highlighting the widespread attention and speculation generated by the Mavericks' unexpected lottery success.

• The draft lottery outcome represents a pivotal moment for the Mavericks, offering a new path forward after a challenging season marked by their elimination in the NBA Play-In tournament.

• The 2025 NBA Draft lottery took place on Monday night with teams hoping and praying for the No. 1 pick, which this year likely means Duke star Cooper Flagg. 

• Well, in a shocking turn of events, the Dallas Mavericks landed the top pick despite having just a 1.8% chance. The Mavs winning the lottery, somehow, months after trading away Luka Doncic sparked plenty of reactions, with some fans even saying the NBA rigged it for Dallas. 

• Yet, here we are. The Mavericks, who traded away Doncic on February 1 in a move that created plenty of controversy, now have a realistic path to bringing in Flagg as their next franchise centerpiece. 

• Even NBA stars reacted, including Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James who posted a series of crying emoji faces. 

• On Tuesday, Mavs guard Kyrie Irving had a perfect reaction on X.

• 1.8% 🤣🤣

• — Kyrie🤞🏾 (@KyrieIrving) May 13, 2025 Irving was part of a dangerous duo with Doncic before he was traded, although Irving underwent surgery for a torn ACL, putting his 2025-26 season in jeopardy. 

• Still, it seems even he couldn't believe the Mavericks got the ping-pong balls to bounce in their favor on Monday night. 

• So, let's recap. On February 1, Mavs GM Nico Harrison traded away Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package featuring Anthony Davis. The Mavs then lost in the NBA Play-In tournament, and rumors swirled about the future of the franchise. 

• Now, a month removed from the end of the regular season, the Mavs win the lottery and now likely will bring in Flagg in a stunning twist. 

• MORE: Mavericks get franchise-changing Cooper Flagg announcement