Cooper Flagg hasn’t played a single NBA minute, but his debut already feels like the main event in Las Vegas.
The reigning No. 1 overall pick is set to make his much-anticipated debut for the Dallas Mavericks on Friday (PH time), July 11, against Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The No. 1 pick is ready 🔥
— NBA Summer League (@NBASummerLeague) July 4, 2025
Cooper Flagg makes his pro debut in Las Vegas as the Mavericks hit the court at NBA Summer League.
Witness the beginning.
📍 Las Vegas
🗓? July 10–20
📺 ESPN & NBA TV
The game headlines a packed seven-game opening night of the NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
As expected, the Mavericks selected Flagg with the top pick in last month’s NBA Draft — the franchise’s first No. 1 overall selection since taking Mark Aguirre out of DePaul in 1981.
[ALSO READ: As expected, Mavericks take Cooper Flagg as no. 1 pick of 2025 NBA Draft]
His arrival came less than five months after Dallas made a stunning blockbuster trade, sending former franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for champion big man Anthony Davis.
[ALSO READ: Outtanowhere: The Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis mega trade in Philippine terms]
Flagg now joins a Mavericks squad with immediate playoff aspirations following an injury-riddled 39-43 season that ended in a play-in loss and is expected to start in a deep frontcourt rotation that include Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford alongside wing men P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, and Caleb Martin.
Across the floor, James is still carving out his own career path.
After a quiet rookie season that saw him average just 2.3 points in limited minutes, the 20-year-old guard showed flashes of promise in the G League, posting averages of 21.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game for South Bay.
James opened Summer League play at the California Classic with a 10-point first half against the Golden State Warriors but didn’t return after halftime.
He then sat out the Lakers’ 103-83 win over the Miami Heat, and in his second game — an 89-88 victory over the San Antonio Spurs — he finished with two points, two steals, and shot 1-of-5 from the field.
[ALSO READ: Coast-to-Coast: Dalton Knecht anchors gutsy Lakers comeback; Jazz cap off Salt Lake City Summer League unscathed]
As for the Spurs, there’s still no official word on whether no. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper will make his debut in Las Vegas when San Antonio faces third overall selection VJ Edgecombe and the Philadelphia 76ers.
[ALSO READ: Fil-Am rookie Dylan Harper officially signs with San Antonio Spurs]
The Filipino-American rookie missed the Spurs’ entire California Classic campaign due to a minor groin injury, the team confirmed earlier this week.
[ALSO READ: News Minor groin injury delays Spurs rookie Dylan Harper’s Summer League debut— reports]
Meanwhile, the reigning Summer League champion Miami Heat — who also participated in the California Classic — will officially open their Las Vegas title defense against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday (PH time), July 12.
