The Dallas Mavericks had their first Summer League game on Thursday. They faced Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers, which ended in a close 87-85 victory for the Mavericks. It was one of the most anticipated games for both teams since it featured LeBron James‘ son and the No. 1 pick of the 2025 NBA draft, Cooper Flagg.
Since the two stars already have a huge following, fans filled the arena at the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada. Unfortunately for the two players, they put up disappointing numbers in front of the fans.
Flagg finished the game with just 10 points on a lowly 5-for-21 shooting from the field. Although he added six rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block, fans focused on his inconsistent shooting night. James didn’t do any better, as he had eight points on 2-for-8 shooting from the floor. He also shot 16.7% from beyond the arc.
Fans were visibly disappointed with how the two stars played, especially Flagg. They didn’t hold back when they revealed their thoughts on the performances that the two players had.
“He’s a bust I’m not surprised,” a fan said about Flagg.
“His favorite player is also Jayson Tatum. Do what ever you want with that information,” another fan threw shade at Jayson Tatum while criticizing the Dallas Mavericks rookie.
“5/21 💔🥀 Bronny is better,” one fan said.
His favorite player is also Jayson Tatum. Do what ever you want with that information
— F ᴸᵘᵏᵃ✨💫 (@FlukaTime) July 11, 2025
“Didn’t really live up to the blockbuster billing. Neither Bronny nor Flagg really showed out. Obviously can see the potential for Flagg though.”
“Shot less than 25% but OK. 21 FGAs during Summer League is a little excessive.”
“Not an nba talent”
Not an nba talent
— Curtis 🇺🇸 (@StoryOfCurt) July 11, 2025
Other fans weren’t too harsh, though.
“It may look bad, but it’s one game; he’ll be fine.”
“I remember when everybody overreacted to wemby’s first summer league game too😂Coop will be fine”
“Well wemby also had a bad first game ig 🤷🏽♂️”
The Dallas Mavericks rookie reacts to his debut game
Flagg’s first game with the Dallas Mavericks wasn’t what most fans expected. In college, he showed that he’s an all-around player but can also take over certain games with his scoring. Much to most fans’ surprise, the top rookie struggled in his debut game.
Following the contest, he had an honest reaction to the way he performed.
“Not up to my standards. But I’m gonna be alright,” Flagg said.
Although he didn’t have the best game, Flagg is aware that he can bounce back from it and have a better outing in the future. The 6-foot-10 forward will have the entire season with the Dallas Mavericks to get adjusted to how the NBA works.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
