Undrafted rookie Ryan Nembhard stole the show while Cooper Flagg showed flashes of star potential in the Mavericks’ Summer League opener. Dallas edged out the Lakers in a thrilling finish—here’s how the young duo made their mark.

Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg made his NBA Summer League debut vs. the Los Angeles Lakers and guard Bronny James in Las Vegas. Flagg was unimpressed with his own performance but Bronny commented on F

Dallas Mavericks forward Melvin Ajinça was sidelined for Thursday’s Summer League matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a groin injury, the team confirmed to DallasHoopsJournal.com.

On Wednesday the NBA announced the group drawings for the 2025 in-season tournament known as the NBA Cup. The NBA teams are split into six groups of five teams, the Mavericks landing in the West B group along with the LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans and, of course, Luka Doncic and the LA Lakers.

Mark Cuban may have teased another reason at the NBA Summer League on Thursday. According to Noah Weber of the Smoking Cuban, Cuban talked about Dereck Lively II shooting 2-3 three-pointers per game next season, which would allow them to play with five-out offense.

Cooper Flagg was faced with a challenge the first day on the job by head coach Jason Kidd. In his first game, he proved he was up for the challenge.