The Las Vegas Summer League begins Thursday in Sin City, featuring seven games on the first day, including a highly anticipated matchup between the Dallas Mavericks led by Cooper Flagg and the Los Angeles Lakers featuring Bronny James. This event marks a major moment on the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA summer calendar, showcasing emerging talent and generating widespread excitement among fans eager to see the new season’s prospects.

While Cooper Flagg, the number one overall pick from last month’s draft, will make his much-awaited debut in Las Vegas, many of the other 2025 draft class members have already showcased their skills in summer leagues across the West Coast. Events like the California Classic and the Salt Lake City Summer League offered early glimpses of top rookies, including VJ Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers, who delivered an impressive 28-point performance against the Utah Jazz.

Flagg’s Highly Anticipated Summer League Debut against the Lakers

One of the most eagerly awaited moments during this summer league is Cooper Flagg’s debut for the Dallas Mavericks facing off against Bronny James and the Lakers. Flagg’s reputation as a top draft prospect is fueled by his exceptional two-way gameplay, showing notable improvements as a creator while also excelling on defense during his college career at Duke. His summer league performance is expected to draw comparisons to Victor Wembanyama’s memorable presence in Vegas two years ago, contributing to the high anticipation surrounding this clash.

VJ Edgecombe’s Strong Start Raises Expectations for Philadelphia

VJ Edgecombe set a high bar early in the summer leagues by scoring 28 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and distributing four assists in his debut game against Utah. The Baylor standout is widely considered a top athlete of his draft class with the potential to become an elite NBA defender. Despite the usual hype and scrutiny that come with summer league performances, Edgecombe’s initial showing was very promising for the 76ers, who will pair him alongside guards Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.

Philadelphia’s decision to select Edgecombe, rather than pursuing other prospects like Ace Bailey who declined a workout, could prove to be a valuable move early on. If Edgecombe continues his strong play in Vegas, it could signal a bright start not only to the summer session but also to the upcoming season for the Sixers.

Must-Watch Matchups in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Summer League offers several intriguing games that should attract attention throughout the event. CBS Sports recently highlighted five key matchups deserving focus:

• 1. Lakers vs. Mavericks (July 10): The marquee game of the summer league, this clash features Cooper Flagg’s Vegas debut against the Lakers led by Bronny James. This primetime showdown is expected to dominate buzz and deliver electric moments.
• 2. Mavericks vs. Spurs (July 12): Although not the opener as in past years, the Mavericks will face the Spurs for their second game. San Antonio’s roster boasts exciting rookies like Dylan Harper, the consensus second-best prospect, and Carter Bryant, picked 14th overall.
• 3. Jazz vs. Hornets (July 11): This game features notable rookies such as Ace Bailey, who participated in the Salt Lake City Summer League, and Duke’s Kon Knueppel, the fourth overall pick making his summer league debut.
• 4. Nets vs. Wizards (July 13): Brooklyn’s summer league squad includes five first-round draft picks, headlined by BYU’s Egor Demin, the eighth overall selection. The Wizards counter with Texas guard Tre Johnson and Illinois forward Will Riley.
• 5. Suns vs. Kings (July 14): Both teams made first-round selections recently, with Phoenix securing Duke’s Khaman Maluach and Sacramento trading up for Colorado’s Nique Clifford. Phoenix’s summer roster also features second-rounders Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea.

Players Poised to Stand Out in the Summer League Spotlight

Summer league often reveals breakout stars and fan favorites. This year, several players stand out as candidates to make a significant impression in Las Vegas based on their potential and previous experiences:

• Devin Carter, Sacramento Kings: The 13th pick in the 2024 draft, Carter missed last season’s start due to shoulder surgery. Now healthy, he is expected to take a leading role for Sacramento’s summer team as a physical defender and skilled rebounder.
• Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans: Known for his offensive skills and impressive footwork at Maryland, Queen is an exciting big man who can create plays, alongside rookie Jeremiah Fears forming a dynamic duo.
• Danny Wolf, Brooklyn Nets: Selected late in the first round, Wolf was a key offensive player for Michigan and will be pivotal in the Nets’ youth-driven summer lineup.
• DaRon Holmes II, Denver Nuggets: Last year’s 22nd pick missed the entire 2024-25 season recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in last summer league but is now ready to return.
• Walter Clayton Jr., Utah Jazz: The top collegiate guard last season, Clayton appears ready to carve out a major role following roster changes in Utah, with summer league providing a platform to showcase his abilities.

Miami Heat and Other Defending Champions Return to Action

The Miami Heat, last year’s champions, bring momentum from their overtime victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in 2024. Having recently played in the California Classic, Miami will open their Vegas campaign against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. The thrilling title game for this year’s Summer League is scheduled for July 20, promising high stakes and fierce competition among the league’s rising stars.

What Bronny James Lakers Summer League Means for the Future

Bronny James’ participation with the Lakers in this summer league carries significant weight for both his own development and the franchise’s outlook. Sharing the court in such a high-profile event alongside other promising rookies like Cooper Flagg offers a valuable testing ground for skills and chemistry ahead of the regular NBA season.

The intensity and passion surrounding these matchups highlight how the summer league serves as more than just an exhibition— it is a vital proving ground for talent that shapes the future of NBA rosters. As fans witness the debut of players like Flagg and watch established talents like Edgecombe and Clayton push to breakout, the Las Vegas Summer League continues to build anticipation for what’s next in professional basketball.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Did Bronny James score 30 points?

A. He has scored an average of 2.3 points per game in 5.9 minutes in his 23 games with the Lakers. Bronny previously scored his highest points, 31, for South Bay in a 122-110 victory against Rip City Remix on January 24. In 10 G League games, he averages 22.4 points.