Bronny James sounds off on guarding Cooper Flagg in NBA Summer League debut

The NBA Summer League showdown between Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg lived up to the hype.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James reacts to a foul call against Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James reacts to a foul call against Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg. / Candice Ward-Imagn Images
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Dallas Mavericks No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg made his highly-anticipated NBA Summer League debut against Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers, and the game lived up to the hype.

Flag finished the game with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 31 minutes as the Mavs squeaked out an 87-85 victory.

Bronny, meanwhile, recorded 8 points, two rebounds, and two assists.

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In the second quarter, Bronny showed off his growing defensive prowess by putting the clamps on Flagg, but was ultimately whistled for a foul. The moment went viral on social media.

Following the game, Bronny shared some praise for Flagg's talents on the court while opening up on what it's like to guard the 6-foot-9 big man.

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“I'm trying to set myself as a defensive guy. I'm not going to be a scoring guy,” Bronny told reporters. “Right now, like I said, I'm just trying to hold my ground. He’s got like half a foot on me.”

Bronny's defensive mindset could prove to be an asset for the Lakers as he continues to develop, while Flagg will continue to fine tune his skillset and hopefully become the star that the Mavericks believe he will be.

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