Dallas Mavericks star rookie Cooper Flagg and Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James headlined Day 1 of the Las Vegas Summer League. During Thursday’s showdown, the foes engaged in a lighthearted exchange that went viral online.
Excitement was palpable for Flagg, the 2025 NBA Draft’s No. 1 pick, to make his summer league debut. While top selections typically take on fellow premier prospects in their first outing, the 18-year-old was instead pitted against James, last year’s No. 55 pick.
James is coming off a shaky rookie season in which he split his time between LA and its NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. Nevertheless, he remains a draw, with his every move being scrutinized as the son of Lakers superstar forward LeBron James. Thus, the stage was set for an eventful clash.
Cooper Flagg and Bronny James Share Laugh During High-Profile Summer League Matchup
Despite both enduring lackluster shooting nights on Thursday, Flagg and James each had standout moments early on, putting their competitiveness on display.
While Flagg scored a few highlight-worthy baskets in transition and from the midrange in the first quarter, James also held his own on a few first-half possessions. Among those was the 20-year-old scoring the first basket of the game on a step-back jumper over Flagg.
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
James also held firm defensively as Flagg attempted to post him up in the second quarter.
Bronny giving Cooper Flagg the clamps 🗜️ pic.twitter.com/XoTRwiBWfu
— SportsPostingWs (@TheSportsBrawls) July 11, 2025
Amid their battle, the two prospects shared a few words, with Flagg’s comments, which he shielded beneath his jersey, eliciting a laugh from James.
Coop and Bronny having a laugh 😂
What do you think they’re talking about? 👀 pic.twitter.com/P2gyIjLSUB
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 11, 2025
Dallas ultimately prevailed 87-85, with undrafted point guard Ryan Nembhard drilling what proved to be the game-deciding 3-pointer with 1:02 remaining. The basket marked three of Nembhard’s team-best 21 points in his first taste of summer league action.
Ryan Nembhard’s SL debut:
21 PTS
5 AST
8-14 FGCertified bucket. pic.twitter.com/1zXFr71m8y
— Overtime (@overtime) July 11, 2025
James had a chance to respond in the final seconds, but his game-winning triple attempt missed the mark. He ended the evening with eight points, two rebounds, two assists and one 3-pointer, shooting 2-for-8 (25.0%) across 21 minutes.
Meanwhile, Flagg didn’t fare much better. The versatile 6’9″ forward tallied 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block, going 5-for-21 (23.8%), including missing all five of his outside looks, over 32 minutes.
However, players showing rust to begin the summer league is not uncommon as they reacclimate to a high-intensity five-on-five setting. Flagg, in particular, should be in store for a far more efficient showing on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs.
