Dallas Mavericks Overcome Lakers in Cooper Flagg's Summer League Debut

In an intense matchup during the NBA 2K26 Summer League held at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, the Dallas Mavericks edged out the Los Angeles Lakers with a narrow 87-85 victory on July 10, 2025. This game was particularly significant as it marked the professional debut of Cooper Flagg, the highly touted No. 1 overall pick in the recent NBA Draft. Flagg's performance, however, was a focal point of scrutiny as he struggled on the court, finishing with only 10 points on 5-for-21 shooting, alongside six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block. Despite his difficulties, Flagg's all-around contributions reflected his potential as a future star in the league.

Conversely, it was undrafted rookie Andrew Nembhard who shone for the Mavericks, leading the team with 21 points while also contributing five assists, two rebounds, and one steal. His performance, along with Miles Kelly's 17 points, helped propel the Mavericks to victory, overcoming an early deficit where the Lakers led 47-43 at halftime. The game exemplified the unpredictability of Summer League matchups, where established players often see limited action, allowing rookies and undrafted players to take center stage.

Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, also participated in this highly anticipated game for the Lakers. However, his impact was minimal, contributing only eight points along with a notable miss on a long-range attempt that could have tied the game in the closing seconds. Cole Swider led the Lakers with a double-double, amassing 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Dalton Knecht and DJ Steward added 15 and 14 points, respectively.

The Summer League serves as a crucial platform for young talents to showcase their skills and adapt to the professional environment. According to NBA analyst Mark Stein, “The Summer League is not just about winning games; it’s about evaluating talent and finding potential gems among the ranks of undrafted players.” As teams look to build for the future, performances like those of Nembhard and Kelly could influence roster decisions moving forward.

Looking ahead, the Summer League continues until July 20, 2025, with numerous other rookies and prospects vying for attention and opportunities. The evolution of talents like Flagg will be closely monitored as the league prepares for the upcoming season. With the stakes high, every performance could shape the narrative of these emerging athletes’ careers in the NBA.