Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

How Cooper Flagg’s 31-point performance shifted the conversation around Bronny James

Originally posted on HITC | By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jul 13, 2025 1:14 PM ET

Cooper Flagg’s strong showing in his second Summer League game was hard to ignore, but it was Bronny James who drew most of the attention online.

Being LeBron James’ son is a gift – but it can also be a curse, and Bronny seems to be experiencing that other side in the NBA.

Since day one of the 2024 Draft, his steps have been closely followed. Many feel it is more about his surname than his performance.

Despite all that noise, Bronny just kept working. He focused on what he could control and managed to impress Lakers coach JJ Redick along with the rest of the staff.

He made an impact right away, standing out in his Summer League debut. But it was his defensive work against Cooper Flagg, this year’s top pick, that really got people talking.

While Flagg responded well in his next game with a 31-point performance, many fans saw Bronny’s efforts as another sign that he’s making real progress in his development.

NBA fans point to Flagg’s game as evidence of Bronny James’ defensive skills

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Cooper Flagg’s 31-point game against the San Antonio Spurs got plenty of attention, but a lot of the conversation online focused on how well Bronny James had defended him in their previous meeting.

One fan summed it up, saying, “Bronny defense underrated.”

Another added, “Now that Bronny wasn’t around,” highlighting the difference without him on the floor.

The comments kept coming in that vein. Someone else posted, “See what happens when Bronny isn’t around to lock him up?”

Another fan noted, “Bronny clamped this up by the way.”

“I guess this is what happens when Bronny isn’t guarding you!” another said.

And one even went as far as to say, “So, what I’m hearing is Bronny is the Cooper Flagg stopper.”

COOPER FLAGG TODAY:

31 POINTS
4 REBOUNDS
50% FG

(Via @realapp_ ) pic.twitter.com/fs4RhVHV3D
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 12, 2025

Bronny James showing signs of growth as a defender

What Flagg’s bounce-back outing shows us about Bronny James is truly quite impressive. Despite going against one of the brightest prospects in the NBA, Bronny held his own and was able to make life tough for Cooper Flagg.

Tim Legler claimed Bronny James exposed Flagg’s shot selection with his defence. But it isn’t just Legler who was impressed with James’ defensive development.

Bresnahan’s take isn’t far-fetched, given how much progress Bronny has made over the past year. And it seems like he knows exactly what the Lakers need from him, focusing on defence as part of his preparation for next season.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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