The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas delivered a thrilling showdown on Thursday night as the Dallas Mavericks edged out the Los Angeles Lakers 87-85 in a game that marked the much-anticipated debut of Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The matchup also featured Bronny James, the Lakers' promising guard and son of NBA superstar LeBron James, who continued to build his case for a larger role in the Lakers' rotation this season.
The game tipped off at 8 p.m. ET at the Thomas & Mack Center, drawing a sizable crowd and national attention via ESPN’s broadcast. Fans and analysts alike were eager to see how Flagg, a standout from Duke University, would transition to the professional ranks and how Bronny James would respond to the challenge of facing one of the most hyped rookies in recent memory.
Cooper Flagg’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. As a freshman at Duke, Flagg averaged an impressive 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. His stellar play earned him the Associated Press National Player of the Year award, cementing his status as one of college basketball’s elite talents. Flagg’s skill set — a blend of size, agility, and playmaking — was on full display throughout the Summer League, where he was tasked with leading the Mavericks’ offense and defense.
In his Summer League debut, Flagg played 21 minutes, scoring 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting. Despite a tough shooting night, especially in the second half where he missed all six of his attempts, Flagg contributed across the board with six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. His defensive presence was notable, highlighted by a massive block on Lakers guard DJ Steward and a key assist on the go-ahead three-pointer to Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard late in the game. "Not up to my standard," Flagg admitted in a post-game interview with ESPN, "But I’m going to regroup, I’m going to be all right. It’s a new feeling, new environment, new teammates." His ability to make winning plays despite shooting struggles points to a promising future.
Bronny James, meanwhile, played a solid game, finishing with eight points on 2-of-8 shooting, two rebounds, and two assists. His shooting was more efficient in the first half, where he scored all of his points, including a perfect 3-for-4 from the free-throw line. However, the second half proved challenging for James, as he failed to score and missed a potential go-ahead three-pointer with just 0.2 seconds left in the game. Known primarily for his defensive skills, James was matched up against Flagg in the second quarter despite giving up seven inches in height. James used his quick hands and tenacity to disrupt Flagg’s rhythm, showcasing his potential as a pesky defender.
James’ path to the NBA has been marked by resilience. Drafted by the Lakers in the second round of the 2024 draft, he overcame a significant health scare in 2023 when he suffered cardiac arrest during practice due to a congenital heart defect. After treatment and clearance, he returned to basketball, spending time in the G League where he averaged 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game. His limited minutes in the 2024-2025 NBA season — averaging 6.7 minutes per game — have not deterred him from working hard to earn a larger role.
The game itself was a back-and-forth affair, with neither Flagg nor James scoring in the third quarter. Flagg struggled with efficiency, shooting just 27.8% in the first half and missing all attempts after halftime, while James was selective with his shots but managed to keep the Lakers competitive. The Mavericks held a narrow lead entering the fourth quarter, and Flagg’s late-game playmaking helped secure the victory.
Beyond the court, the event was notable for its high demand and ticket prices. According to Vivid Seats, the average ticket price was $223, making it the most expensive Summer League game in two years, second only to Victor Wembanyama’s debut in 2023. Tickets ranged from $66.89 for general admission to over $3,000 for courtside seats, reflecting the excitement surrounding Flagg’s debut and the intrigue of Bronny James’ continued development.
The Mavericks’ roster also featured notable figures such as Kyrie Irving, who was present at the Thomas & Mack Center despite nursing a torn ACL that will sideline him for the 2025-26 season. His presence added to the buzz and anticipation surrounding the Mavericks’ young core.
This Summer League game was a microcosm of the challenges and expectations facing both players and their franchises. For the Mavericks, Flagg represents hope and a new chapter after the controversial trade of Luka Dončić. For the Lakers, Bronny James carries the weight of his famous last name and the pressure to carve out his own identity in the NBA.
As the Summer League progresses, both players will continue to adjust and showcase their abilities. Flagg’s physical tools and basketball IQ suggest he can be an immediate impact player, while James’ defensive tenacity and steady improvement hint at a promising career ahead.
Fans can look forward to more head-to-head matchups and exciting moments as these young stars develop their games in front of national audiences. The Lakers and Mavericks will both be eager to see how their prized rookies evolve, with the 2025-26 NBA season looming on the horizon.
For now, the Summer League spotlight remains firmly on Cooper Flagg and Bronny James — two players with much to prove and even more to gain from these early professional tests.
