Bronny James Shouts Out ‘Amazing Player’ Cooper Flagg After Losing 1st Duel

Despite having a point to prove of his own, Bronny James took out some time to praise the Mavs' rookie Cooper Flagg in their recent clash.

Bronny James Shouts Out ‘Amazing Player’ Cooper Flagg After Losing 1st Duel

Bronny James and Cooper Flagg (Image by FirstSportz)

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The NBA offseason and the 2025 Draft have brought plenty of surprises, with teams adding fresh talent and veterans switching sides for the upcoming season. With the NBA Summer League now underway, coaches are busy testing lineups and exploring roster combinations in preparation for the new campaign.

The Los Angeles Lakers recently faced the Dallas Mavericks in their recent summer league matchup. One of the standout names entering this match was No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg for the Mavs and Bronny James, son of LeBron James, for the Lakers. Given how much hype was surrounding Flagg, there was much anticipation as he was about to make his debut in the Summer League.

To be fair, Flagg showed signs of his Duke Blue Devils version, not completely, but on different occasions during the game. Notably, the Lakers’ youngster Bronny James recognized Flagg’s potential and heaped huge praise on the Mavs’ rookie.

He’s an amazing player, I’ve watched him in college making plays. I’ve no disrespect from him, he’s going to be something special.

Bronny James told ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin

While Flagg was not at his complete best, he and his side did see out the win over James and the Lakers, winning by 87-85. As per Flagg’s standards, he had a mediocre game. In addition, he also claimed that he was nervous in the build-up to this game as it was his first ever game in the NBA as a professional basketball player.

As time goes on, the Mavericks’ rookie is expected to be one of the best players in the league. Flagg is known for his die-hard approach and relentless mentality, which will do much good for the Mavericks in the upcoming season.

With the likes of experienced players like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving on the team, the rookie is just going to flourish under the guidance of these kinds of players.

Cooper Flagg opened up on his first-ever game as an NBA professional

Flagg made his much-anticipated NBA 2k26 Summer League debut against the Lakers on Thursday. Despite not being at his best, he and his side won the game. With a 5-for-21 shooting percentage and a 0-for-5 three-point shooting percentage, Flagg finished with 10 points. In addition, he had four assists, three steals, one block, and six rebounds.

Cooper Flagg 2
Cooper Flagg (Credits: NBA/X)

Despite occasionally having trouble finding his flow, Flagg showed glimpses of why he was selected first overall last month. The Mavs’ rookie did not shy away from speaking his mind after having a mediocre game in his debut.

I couldn’t really get into a rhythm, it’s a different environment…I was obviously a little nervous, it’s a new environment, a lot of new fans and whatnot.

Cooper Flagg told ESPN

His enthusiastic supporters more than made up for it, energizing the crowded arena that erupted in cheers as he was named a starter in his first summer league match. That said, just 46 seconds into the game, Flagg received his first foul, missed his first two shots, and gave the crowd what they had been waiting for: a one-on-one matchup with fellow fan favorite, Bronny James.

Bronny James delivered a wonderful step-back shot on Cooper Flagg

While the NBA world completely focused on Cooper Flag and his debut with the Mavericks, Bronny James is in the mode to prove his doubters and naysayers wrong. All this because James has gone through a difficult phase during this past season with the Lakers. Last season, he was blitzed with much negativity, with many giving him the tag of nepotism, as he is the son of LeBron James.

To make matters worse, Bronny had an underwhelming rookie season with the Lakers.

However, he has kept his head down and put in the hard work off the court. This hard work came into display against the Mavs in the Summer league, with James welcoming their newest player, Cooper Flagg, in some style. In under two minutes of the game, Bronny performed a wonderful step back on Flagg and followed with a sublime three-pointer to claim his first five points for his side.

With this, the Lakers fans got a glimpse into their youngster and what they can expect from him in the upcoming season. All eyes will be once again on James Jr., entering his second year in the NBA, with constant pressure on his shoulders.

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