Cooper Flagg hasn’t even played a regular-season game yet, but the Dallas Mavericks are already seeing why they made him the No. 1 overall pick.

The 18-year-old No. 1 overall pick wrapped up his first NBA preseason with 13 points, three assists, and two rebounds in Wednesday’s 121–94 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at T-Mobile Arena. It was another composed, efficient outing that capped a four-game stretch in which he averaged 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 44.4% from the field and a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line.

Head coach Jason Kidd said Flagg’s maturity and feel for the game stood out as the Mavericks experimented with him at multiple positions — including point guard.

“I thought he did great,” Kidd said. “He’s got to keep an index of who got shots. And that will come, with reps.”

Kidd added that the rookie’s poise has already earned respect inside the locker room.

“I think he’s done an incredible job of handling the situation of running the team,” Kidd said. “And the other thing that has gone unnoticed is that his teammates enjoy him running the team — and that doesn’t happen in this league. That’s a plus.”

Flagg, who started two preseason games at point guard, said he’s comfortable sharing ball-handling responsibilities as part of Dallas’ bigger lineup.

“I’ve done it a good amount growing up just trying to be versatile,” Flagg said. “Obviously it’s a lot easier to defend and play team defense when you can switch one through four and take on those different matchups. There’s a lot of room to grow. It’s just us not labeling somebody as the point guard.”

The 6-foot-8 forward said he and P.J. Washington often alternate initiating plays depending on defensive pressure.

“P.J. brought it up a bunch, I brought it up a bunch,” he said. “If I’m getting picked up (by a defender for 94 feet) like I was a little today, P.J., go get it. He can initiate the offense. We’re just making it easy on each other.”

Anthony Davis said Flagg has earned his teammates’ trust by asking questions, embracing feedback, and adjusting quickly to NBA competition.

“It seems like he’s handling it pretty well,” Davis said. “He’s playing phenomenal, both ends. He’s adjusting very well. He asks questions.”

Davis, a 10-time All-Star, said Flagg’s situation is unique compared with other top picks because the Mavericks don’t need him to carry the team.

“Most rookies hit a rookie wall just because it’s a lot, but his rookie season is going to be a lot different than most because even though he has expectations on him, we have a team where we don’t have to put that much pressure on him,” Davis said. “(He can) be himself. I think he’s great. He’s been doing everything we’ve asked and more.”

Flagg said his transition to the league has been as smooth as he could have hoped for, thanks to the veterans around him.

“I’ve had a lot of great people around me, great vets who have shared a lot of wisdom and helped me be prepared,” Flagg said. “I think it’s been about as smooth a transition as it can be. Obviously, there’s always ups and downs, but I don’t think there’s been any crazy surprises.”

There have been learning moments. Late in the first quarter Wednesday, Flagg lost track of the clock and took a shot too early, giving the Lakers time for one last possession. Davis said that one was on him.

“I was at the top of the floor and as a vet, I should have seen the clock,” Davis said.

Flagg brushed it off as part of the process.

“Just continue to get comfortable,” he said. “I made some mental lapses, time and score situations. You just got to be aware what’s on the clock at all times.”

Flagg was also tested defensively early when Lakers guard Gabe Vincent hit five straight 3-pointers in the opening quarter.

“It’s definitely not easy,” Flagg said. “You got to take the challenge and overcome that.”

Kidd said those early tests will only accelerate Flagg’s development.

“The screening and pick and rolls are hard in this league, no matter your size,” Kidd said. “When you’re in a pick and roll against guys who know how to run it, it becomes a two-man game. And we’ll get better at that. His competitiveness is where he’s going to figure it out sooner than later.”

For a player barely out of high school, Flagg has already shown he belongs. The next step comes when the lights stay on for good next week.