Lakers' Bronny James Talks Guarding Cooper Flagg, Says Mavs Star Will Be 'Special'

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James and Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg matched up in a highly anticipated summer league battle on Thursday. Flagg's Mavs won 87-85, and afterward, James commented on Flagg's great potential and also talked about defending the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft.

Both players guarded each other at times. At one point early in the second quarter, the 6'3" James held his own against the 6'8" Flagg despite the clear height disadvantage down low, although he later got called for a foul that the guard didn't seem to agree with.

Flagg later hit a mid-range shot over James, who had gotten the best of the ex-Duke star early in the game with a pair of jumpers.

Flagg had an off-shooting night (5-of-21) for 10 points, but he authored the defensive play of the game with a block that led to a Ryan Nembhard three in transition with 1:03 left. That shot ended up being the game-winner.

Flagg and the Mavs will be back on the summer league court on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs.