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Bronny James Gets Real On Missed Game-Winner Vs. Cooper Flagg

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 12:44 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers fell just short of a big win over the Dallas Mavericks in Cooper Flagg's unofficial NBA debut.

Bronny James had a chance to take the lead with the clock winding down, but his potential game-winning three-pointer bounced off the rim with just under four seconds left to play.

The Mavs escaped with a two-point win, all while Bronny struggled with eight points on as many shots and a scoreless second half. Even so, the second-year pro isn't too worried about that, and he took pride in his defensive effort:

“I felt good,” James said. “I felt I could have knocked some more shots down, but it is what it is. You’re not going to make them all. I felt my effort on the defensive end was good, and that’s what I’m focusing on this year.”

BRONNY GAME WINNER! pic.twitter.com/SFrqUPBUM6
— Hoops (@HoopMixOnly) July 11, 2025

Bronny got some stops against Flagg and even challenged him early on with a fadeaway, knocking down five quick points in what promised to be a big night for him. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to keep his foot on the gas.

Even so, Lakers assistant coach and Summer League coach Lindsay Harding has no regrets, and she wants to keep putting that kind of pressure on Bronny's shoulders:

Bronny and Cooper Flagg are going at it

SUMMER LEAGUE, BABY. pic.twitter.com/zCtm1TE66d
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 11, 2025

“Yes, I want him to fill that responsibility at the end of the game,” Harding said. “I want him to have the ball in his hands, and I’m going to live and die with whatever shot he takes. It was the decision he made. It was a good shot. I’ve seen him make it before.”

At the end of the day, the Summer League is nothing but a learning experience. While Bronny's shot wasn't falling, his defensive prowess and decision-making turned plenty of heads, and he might be in for a bigger role in year two.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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