Lakers' Bronny James Discusses Facing Mavs' Cooper Flagg in NBA Summer League Opener

All eyes will be on Las Vegas when the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks face off in their NBA Summer League opener on July 10 for two reasons.

Bronny James and Cooper Flagg.

James told reporters (1:10 mark) Wednesday he will relish competing on such a stage in part because he expects individual improvement in his second season.

"Last year it was a crazy environment for me to step into and produce right away—while being nervous too," he said. "So I feel like this year I'll be able to go out and play freely and know what I'm going to do for me and my teammates. I'm just really excited to be able to play nervous-free."

James may take strides in his second NBA season, but expectations will be much higher for Flagg.

After all, the Mavericks selected the Duke product with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NBA draft. That immediately made him one of the faces of the franchise and someone who could help the team and its fans move on from the Luka Dončić trade.

His ability to play well alongside veterans such as Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson will ultimately determine Dallas' ceiling during the 2025-26 campaign, but none of those stars will be on the court for the Summer League game.

Instead, Flagg will be front and center with the opportunity to show NBA fans how much he can do on the court.

As for James, he was an afterthought in the Lakers' rotation during his rookie season and likely will be again in 2025-26. But he is the son of the legendary LeBron James and will continue to be in the headlines in large part because of that.

And Summer League also gives him an opportunity to play a more significant role and show off some of the improvements he discussed Wednesday.