The NBA Summer League game between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers was the one creating the most anticipation since it promised a “dream duel” with Bronny James and Cooper Flagg as the major attractions.
Cooper Flagg wore the Mavs jersey for the first time, and the player on the opposite side was trying to continue his father’s league heritage.
The NBA’s first taste of Cooper Flagg
The two rising talents faced off quickly in this game. Less than a minute into the game, Flagg was challenged by Bronny James, and the former Duke Blue Devils star was powerless to stop the Lakers player’s graceful fadeaway shot, which gave them an early 2-0 lead.
Bronny James with the smooth step-back to open the scoring in Vegas 🔥#NBA2KSummerLeague on ESPN pic.twitter.com/4yFeFp6jmt
— NBA (@NBA) July 11, 2025
It didn’t stop there, though, as Bronny went on to make a three-pointer past Flagg’s defenders.
Bronny James with the smooth step-back to open the scoring in Vegas 🔥#NBA2KSummerLeague on ESPN pic.twitter.com/4yFeFp6jmt
— NBA (@NBA) July 11, 2025
Cooper Flagg was chosen by Dallas as the first overall pick in the most recent NBA Draft after winning almost every individual accolade possible during his collegiate basketball season the previous year.
After being selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, LeBron James’ son Bronny James is hoping to improve on his 2.3 points per game average from his limited playing time the previous season.
Additionally, Cooper Flagg’s arrival follows the shocking trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, the team’s biggest fan idol. He is replaced by a player who is thought to be a generational talent who has the ability to alter the Dallas Mavericks‘ trajectory.
The question now is whether the Duke-born athlete can thrive in what is seen as a completely different beast and withstand the strain of the NBA. He will undoubtedly be the front-runner to win first of the Year in his first season, which begins with the NBA Summer League.
