The 2025 NBA Draft lottery has concluded, with the Dallas Mavericks landing the first overall pick. With just a 2.5% chance of entering the top-four, and just a 1.8% chance at landing the top pick, Dallas had the fourth-worst odds of any lottery-winning team in league history (via Underdog NBA).
Accusations of the NBA rigging this lottery for Dallas immediately poured in. Many believe the Mavericks are now being repaid for trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
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While Lakers forward LeBron James was not among those to share this take, he did make a post immediately after the news of Dallas winning the lottery.
This post from James caused a recent message of his to resurface. During an appearance on the Pat McAfee on March 26, James insinuated the 2003 NBA Draft Lottery was rigged when the Cleveland Cavaliers landed the No. 1 overall pick.
“During the lottery drop, Cleveland got the No. 1 pick,” James said. “I just don’t think that was – what a coincidence. Let’s keep LeBron home. You know what? Patrick Ewing to the Knicks. Derrick Rose to the Bulls. I understand the assignment, guys.”
Now, 22 years later, the NBA is facing perhaps its loudest accusation of lottery rigging. This is certainly not the first time fans have been skeptical of the league orchestrating the lottery, but Cooper Flagg landing in Dallas just months after Doncic was traded to LA is something many believe cannot be a coincidence.
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James’ March comments resurfacing has only fueled the belief that the NBA is behind this.
Related: NBA Facing Major Luka Doncic, Mavericks Accusation After Draft Lottery
Related: Lakers Predicted to Trade for Luka Doncic’s Former Teammate