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Bronny James’ bold claim after Mavs loss: 'I’m saving myself as a defensive guy'

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Titan Frey | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 11:40 AM ET

Bronny James began his Summer League matchup against Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks on a high note. He scored the first five points on 2-2 shooting. This includes a three in the face of Flagg.

After this, Bronny fell off. He scored just three more points, all from the free-throw line. The Lakers battled the Mavericks to the final buzzer, and it was a three from Bronny that missed as time expired, giving the Mavs the 87-85 victory.

After the loss, fans poked fun at Bronny’s lack of scoring, especially when LA needed it the most. Bronny addressed this in a discussion with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, stating he knows his role will be on the defensive end.

“Saving myself as a defensive guy,” Bronny said. “I’m not gonna be the scoring guy, like I said, so I just gotta hold my ground.“

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

The problem with Bronny is the fact that we all know who his father is. He’s going to be looked at as a guy who can score like his dad, yet that isn’t him. He isn’t LeBron James, he’s LeBron James Jr.

As fans, we need to let Bronny become his own player. He very well could turn into a respectable role player.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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