Bronny James Displays Enhanced Confidence in Summer League Return, Notches 8 Points Against No. 1 Pick Cooper Flagg

Las Vegas – Bronny James, the second-year guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has returned to the NBA Summer League, showcasing a notably more confident and evolved playing style compared to his debut last year. As reported by The Athletic, "> One year after Bronny James was the Day 1 centerpiece of his first summer league, he returns a more confident and evolved player." His return was highlighted by a highly anticipated matchup against 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, where James contributed eight points in the Lakers' 87-85 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

Drafted 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, James spent a considerable portion of his rookie year developing with the South Bay Lakers, the team's G-League affiliate. During his 11 appearances with the South Bay Lakers, he averaged an impressive 21.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds, which significantly contributed to his enhanced confidence entering his second professional summer.

In his 2025 Summer League debut against the Miami Heat in the California Classic, James recorded 10 points, highlighted by a powerful one-handed dunk. While his shooting was mixed against the Mavericks, finishing 2-for-8 from the field, analysts observed his improved comfort on the court. ESPN analyst Tim Legler remarked that James "looked much more comfortable... he has a plan and a purpose," contrasting his current demeanor with his earlier appearances.

The face-off with Cooper Flagg drew immense attention, with reports indicating that tickets for the Las Vegas game were among the most expensive in Summer League history, reflecting the intense public interest. James, known for his defensive tenacity, was frequently matched against the taller Flagg, demonstrating his willingness to take on challenging assignments and showcasing his defensive prowess.

As James continues his second professional summer, his performances are being closely watched for signs of readiness for a consistent NBA rotation role. His progression from a highly scrutinized rookie to a more self-assured player is a central narrative, as he aims to build on his G-League successes and integrate further into the Lakers' system.