Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) reacts during warm-ups against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Lakers Star Bronny James Makes Feelings Clear About Cooper Flagg

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 12:30 AM ET

Last week, Cooper Flagg made his pro debut when the Dallas Mavericks beat the Los Angeles Lakers by a score of 87-85 (at NBA Summer League).

The matchup got a lot of hype due to the fact that Flagg was facing off against Bronny James.

After the game, Bronny was asked about the Mavs rookie (h/t ESPN's Dave McMenamin).

Reporter: "What'd you think of Cooper Flagg overall?"

Bronny: "Just great. I watched him all in college. He's an amazing player, so I have the utmost respect for him. He's going to be something special."

Bronny James on guarding Cooper Flagg in the post: “Just trying to hold my ground. He’s got like half a foot on me.” Went on to say that Flagg is “an amazing player” and “he’s going to be something special” pic.twitter.com/3FLb0eR0Ce
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 11, 2025

Flagg finished the victory with ten points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block while shooting 5/21 from the field.

Via Bleacher Report: "BRONNY VS. COOPER

Flagg: 10 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL
Bronny: 8 PTS, 2 REB, 2 AST"

BRONNY VS. COOPER

Flagg: 10 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL
Bronny: 8 PTS, 2 REB, 2 AST pic.twitter.com/zXCqilzYlS
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 11, 2025

While Bronny was the 55th pick, he is coming off a rookie season where he was in the spotlight (and faced a lot of pressure).

Flagg will have the same kind of media attention, as he is expected to be a future superstar.

Via ESPN: "Cooper Flagg drops 31 PTS in his second summer league game

Who does his game remind you of? "

Cooper Flagg drops 31 PTS in his second summer league game

Who does his game remind you of? pic.twitter.com/twQ25O51sE
— ESPN (@espn) July 12, 2025

Flagg was arguably the best player in all of college basketball as an 18-year-old freshman.

He led the Blue Devils to the 2025 Final Four (before they lost to Houston).

Via Jamal Christopher: "Seeing cooper Flagg in person confirmed it for me, 1 of the safest bets in nba history. A lot would have to go wrong for coop to not hit multiple all star and all nba teams."

Seeing cooper Flagg in person confirmed it for me, 1 of the safest bets in nba history. A lot would have to go wrong for coop to not hit multiple all star and all nba teams. pic.twitter.com/5p90TYQVUI
— Jamal Cristopher (@JamCristopher) July 12, 2025

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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