LAS VEGAS — In one of the most anticipated Summer League matchups in recent memory, No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks narrowly defeated Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers 87-85 in a thrilling contest that lived up to the considerable hype.
The Thomas & Mack Center was packed to capacity on Thursday night as basketball fans eagerly awaited the first glimpse of Flagg in a Mavericks uniform, while also watching the continued development of second-year guard Bronny James. The electric atmosphere resembled a playoff game rather than a Summer League opener, with tickets reportedly selling for unprecedented prices on the secondary market.
Flagg, the 18-year-old phenom from Duke who was selected first overall in last month's NBA Draft, finished with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block in his professional debut. While his shooting efficiency left something to be desired (5-of-21 from the field, 0-of-5 from three-point range), Flagg showcased the all-around game and defensive prowess that made him such a coveted prospect.
Final Score: Mavericks 87, Lakers 85
Attendance: 18,000 (sellout)
Flagg Shows Flashes Despite Shooting Struggles
Flagg's NBA journey began with a thunderous statement, as he soared for a powerful one-handed tomahawk dunk on a fast break for his first professional points. The explosive play brought the crowd to its feet and offered a glimpse of the athleticism that helped make him the consensus top pick.
Despite struggling with his outside shot, Flagg demonstrated his versatility by impacting the game in multiple ways. His court vision was on display with several pinpoint passes, while his defensive instincts resulted in three steals and a crucial block in the final minute that helped preserve the Mavericks' slim lead.
"I was just trying to impact the game any way I could. The shot wasn't falling tonight, but that's basketball sometimes. I tried to focus on defense, rebounding, and making plays for my teammates. It felt great to get the win."
— Cooper Flagg, Mavericks forward
Perhaps most impressively, Flagg showed poise beyond his years in the game's critical moments. With just under a minute remaining and the Mavericks clinging to a one-point lead, he rotated perfectly to reject a Lakers layup attempt, leading to a transition three-pointer by Ryan Nembhard that proved to be the decisive basket.
Bronny James Continues Development
On the other side, Bronny James put together a solid performance in his own right, finishing with 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. James, entering his second NBA season after being selected in the second round of the 2024 draft, showed noticeable improvement in his confidence and decision-making compared to his rookie campaign.
James connected on 2-of-5 attempts from beyond the arc and displayed improved ball-handling skills while running the Lakers' offense for stretches of the game. His highlight of the night came midway through the third quarter when he crossed over his defender and finished with an acrobatic reverse layup that drew appreciative gasps from the crowd.
"I'm just trying to build on what I learned last year. The game is slowing down for me now, and I'm feeling more comfortable out there. Obviously, we wanted to get the win, but it was a good first game to build from."
— Bronny James, Lakers guard
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Flagg and James naturally drew the spotlight, it was the supporting cast that ultimately decided the outcome. Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard was the game's leading scorer with 22 points, including the clutch three-pointer in the final minute. His steady playmaking and timely buckets earned praise from Dallas Summer League coach Sean Sweeney.
For the Lakers, Dalton Knecht continued his strong summer showing with 18 points and 7 rebounds, while Cole Swider added 16 points on efficient 6-of-9 shooting from the field.
The game came down to the final possession, with the Lakers having a chance to tie or win with 8.4 seconds remaining. After a timeout, Los Angeles ran a play for Knecht, whose potential game-winning three-pointer rimmed out as time expired, allowing Dallas to escape with the narrow victory.
Star-Studded Sidelines
The importance of the matchup was underscored by the notable figures in attendance. Lakers star LeBron James watched from courtside as his son competed, while Mavericks stars Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis were also present to support their new teammate. Several other NBA players, executives, and celebrities filled the stands, creating a playoff-like atmosphere rarely seen in Summer League.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who typically attends only select Summer League games, was also present and spoke briefly with reporters during halftime.
"The energy in the building tonight was incredible. It's a testament to the excitement surrounding this rookie class and the growing interest in our Summer League. Cooper and Bronny both showed why fans are so invested in their journeys."
— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
Looking Ahead
Both teams will continue their Summer League schedules in the coming days. The Mavericks face the Houston Rockets on Saturday, while the Lakers take on the Boston Celtics on Sunday.
For Flagg, this debut represents just the first step in what promises to be a closely watched rookie season. Set to join a Mavericks team with championship aspirations, expectations are high for his immediate impact.
James, meanwhile, will look to build on his solid performance as he continues to carve out his role with the Lakers. With his father and new teammate Luka Dončić watching his development closely, Bronny's progress through Summer League will be crucial as he pushes for more consistent NBA minutes in his sophomore campaign.