Cooper Flagg gets brutally honest about his summer league debut

Cooper Flagg and Bronny James delivered a night of midsummer entertainment for NBA fans, even if the pair only combined for 18 points in Thursday’s summer league clash between the Mavericks and Lakers. 

Flagg, making his debut in a Dallas uniform after getting picked first overall in this year’s draft, scored 10 points on 5-for-21 shooting, plus six rebounds, four assists and three steals. 

James notched eight points on 2-of-8 from the field. 

Dallas escaped with an 87-85 triumph over the Lakers at a packed Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, after James, the son of LeBron and a second-round pick in the 2024 draft, missed a pull-up 3-pointer at the buzzer. 

While speaking with reporters afterward, Flagg admitted it wasn’t his best effort.

“I would say that might be one of the worst games of my life,” Flagg said. “But we got the win and that’s what really matters to me.”

Neither James nor Flagg scored a point in the second half. 

The pair were going at one another all night, and each guarded the other for much of the game. 

James scored the first points of the night with a smooth step-back jumper over the outstretched arms of the 6-foot-9 Flagg, who has a 7-foot wingspan. 

James hit his following field goal attempt, too, before missing his next six shots. 

Flagg then found his bearings, barreling downcourt for a coast-to-coast flush through traffic before backing down Dalton Knecht and hitting a contested post fade.

Bronny had some impressive defensive moments against Flagg, including one near-steal in the second quarter that was ultimately called a foul. 

Flagg also went for a thunderous poster dunk in the second quarter, missing it.

Nonetheless, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd — who was in attendance — was impressed with his highly touted rookie.  

“I think Cooper’s done an incredible job with all the minutes,” Kidd told ESPN’s Malika Andrews at halftime. “He’s handled the ball, he’s gotten wide-open shots for teammates, he’s finished, I think you’ve seen a lot of what he can do in this league.”

Flagg, especially after his quiet second half, was less enthused with his play. 

“Not up to my standard, but I’m going to improve,” he said postgame. “I’m going to be alright.”