LeBron James’ son Bronny James and Cooper Flagg went head-on during the latest Summer League game between the LA Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks defeated the Lakers 87-85 on Thursday in Las Vegas.
James was in the starting lineup and scored eight points in 21 minutes while also adding two rebounds and two assists. His +/- rating was -3. Meanwhile, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft massively struggled to shoot from the floor in his Summer League debut, converting only 5 of 21 shots attempted.
Flagg scored 10 points and none of them came from beyond the arc despite five attempts. He also had six rebounds, four assists and three steals in the game.
After the game, James praised the former Duke star, saying:
“It’s great, I mean, I watched him all in college, he’s an amazing player. So I have the most respect for him. He’s got to be something special for sure.” (0:10)
Bronny James and Cooper Flagg couldn’t share a floor in college basketball. The USC Trojans star declared for the 2024 NBA draft and was picked by his father’s team at No. 55. Meanwhile, this summer, the Mavericks won the NBA lottery and drafted Flagg with the first overall pick.
Thus, they never got the opportunity to play against each other but the game on Thursday was just one of many both will find on the opposite end for years to come.
Cooper Flagg Not Content With His Summer League Debut
Cooper Flagg didn’t perform well in his Summer League debut amid high expectations. After the game, Flagg admitted that he was certainly not up to his lofty standards.
“Not up to my standard, but I’m going to regroup; I’m going to be all right,” Flagg told ESPN postgame. “This is a new feeling, new environment, new teammates, but the guys settled down.”
The Mavericks were led by Ryan Nembhard, who scored 21 points, and Miles Kelly, who scored 17. However, the fans at the Thomas & Mack Center got excited everytime, Flagg was passed the ball. While Flagg may not be happy with his performance, Dallas coach Jason Kidd doesn’t share the same feeling.
“I think when you have someone like Cooper who can handle, who can shoot, who can pass, you want the ball in his hands. He’s a great decision-maker. He did that at Duke and also in high school,” Kidd said.
Flagg and the Mavericks will next hit the floor against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday at 3pm CT.
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