What to know about Cooper Flagg’s up-and-down Summer League debut for the Mavericks

Cooper Flagg’s highly anticipated NBA Summer League debut didn’t go quite as planned. While the Dallas Mavericks edged out the Los Angeles Lakers 87-85, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft delivered a performance that was anything but smooth sailing.

5-of-21 Flagg fails to find range

Flagg struggled with his shot all night at the Thomas & Mack Center, finishing just 5-of-21 from the field - a rough 23.8% clip - and missed all five of his three-point attempts. Still, the Duke product managed to stuff the stat sheet with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block in 32 minutes of action.

The athleticism that made Flagg a top pick was on full display early, as his first bucket came on a thunderous dunk. And despite his shooting woes, he showed flashes of his immense potential in crunch time - blocking D.J. Steward’s layup attempt and dishing out a clutch assist to Ryan Nembhard for a go-ahead three-pointer with 1:03 left on the clock.

Unfortunately, Flagg missed a late shot that could have sealed the game, with the ball failing to even graze the rim.

How did Bronny fare for the Lakers?

On the Lakers’ side, Bronny James - son of NBA legend LeBron James - got the start but had a quiet outing, posting eight points, two rebounds and two assists. The standout for L.A. was forward Cole Swider, who’s fighting for a spot on the regular-season roster. Swider impressed with a double-double: 22 points and 10 boards.

What’s next for Flagg and the Mavs?

Flagg’s up-and-down debut means he’ll likely see extended minutes as the Summer League continues in Las Vegas. The Mavericks are scheduled to face three more opponents before the championship round: the San Antonio Spurs on July 12, the Charlotte Hornets on July 14 and the Philadelphia 76ers on July 16.

Dallas is guaranteed a fifth game in the Summer League, though the date - July 18, 19, or 20 - will depend on their record through the first four contests.

Related stories

NBA

The new NBA Summer League rule that changes how players shoot

NBA

Lakers star’s admission on trade: “it feels like somebody set it up”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.