Lakers vs. Mavericks: Summer League Thriller Ends 87–85

Game Recap – A Neck-and-Neck Duel

In a thrilling Las Vegas Summer League opener on July 10, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks edged out the Los Angeles Lakers 87–85 at the Thomas & Mack Center. The highly anticipated matchup featuring Cooper Flagg (Mavericks’ No.1 pick) and Bronny James (Lakers’ second-round pick and son of LeBron) delivered drama and storylines off the charts.

Player Highlights and Performances

Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)

• Debuted with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 1 block in 32 minutes.

• Shot just 5-for-21 overall and was 0-for-5 from deep, going scoreless in the second half.

• Flashes of brilliance on both ends: a rim-rattling dunk off a steal, defensive plays, and a late assist-to-steal sequence energized the fans.

• Flagg candidly called it “one of the worst games” he's had, but emphasized the win and his learning curve.

Ryan Nembhard & Miles Kelly (Dallas Mavericks)

• Ryan Nembhard led Dallas with 21 points, adding 5 assists and 2 rebounds. His clutch 3-pointer with ~1 minute remaining gave Dallas the go-ahead lead.

• Miles Kelly contributed 17 points, showing efficiency (6-for-12 FG), along with rebounds and key ball movement.

Lakers Standouts

• Cole Swider posted a game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 6-for-9 from deep—one of the best performances for L.A. on the night.

• Dalton Knecht chipped in 15 points and 4 boards, while DJ Steward added 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, continuing his consistent Summer League form.

• Bronny James scored 8 points on 2-for-8 shooting, including a step-back jumper over Flagg early. He missed a last-second potential game-winning 3-pointer.

Game Dynamics & Tactical Notes

Score by Quarters (Dallas vs. L.A.)

• Lakers led by as much as 10 entering Q3; Mavericks responded with a strong third quarter (25–15) to flip the game in their favor .

• In the fourth, lead changes went back and forth. A pivotal block by Flagg on DJ Steward followed by Nembhard’s go-ahead 3-pointer sealed the victory.

Defensive Storylines

• Lakers targeted Flagg early with double-teams and pressure after the opening tip; Kidd said the focus was born out of respect.

• A controversial foul called on Bronny James against Flagg stirred social media debate: "How is that a foul?" became a trending topic among NBA fans.

Off‑Court Buzz & Atmosphere

• The matchup attracted significant attention, partly because Savannah and Zhuri James were courtside supporting Bronny, fueling emotional and familial interest behind the game.

• Mavericks veteran Kyrie Irving chimed in postgame, praising Flagg's poise and celebrating the team’s first win: “Great team win … Coop got his first game out of the way”.

Key Takeaways

1. Flagg’s debut was polarizing: high activity across stats, but inefficient shooting.

2. Nembhard & Kelly stepped up as reliable offensive outlets in a rookie-heavy rotation.

3. Swider’s double-double highlighted Lakers’ bright spots despite the loss.

4. Bronny’s game-winner miss capped a quiet but notable performance under pressure.

5. Crowd energy was NBA-level, thanks to Flagg vs Bronny storyline and family presence.

6. Officiating buzz centered on a foul call between Bronny and Flagg that fans questioned.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

• The Mavericks will use this close win as a springboard, with Cooper Flagg likely to adjust and grow in upcoming Summer League games against the Spurs, Hornets, and 76ers.

• Lakers head coach and staff will continue to evaluate rookie talent like Swider, Steward, James, Knecht, and Bazley under pressure-packed situations.

• Both teams eye further matchups in the Las Vegas Summer League run that plays out through July 20 , 2025.

Final Thoughts

This Lakers vs Mavericks Summer League matchup delivered much more than a two-point finish. It was about narratives: Cooper Flagg’s rocky yet promising debut, Bronny James under the spotlight, family in the stands, and connected star power crossing generations. With Dallas earning the 87‑85 win, fans got a glimpse into future NBA storylines. Expect both teams to adjust, evolve, and continue showcasing emerging talent as Summer League continues.