Jeff Teague says Cooper Flagg has already shown in Summer League what Bronny James still lacks after a full season

Cooper Flagg has more confidence than Bronny James

As a 55th overall pick, James didn’t exactly have the expectations that Flagg had. As the son of LeBron James, Bronny was expected to suit up next to his father, go viral for family moments, and maybe, just maybe, contribute to the Los Angeles Lakers.

If anything, he’s exceeded expectations.

Flagg, on the other hand, is the first pro player in his family and has been touted for his competitive nature and desire to win. While he is new on the NBA scene, he already plays with more confidence than Bronny.

“He’s a confident player,” praised Jeff Teague. “See, that’s the thing that we’re lacking with Bronny. The confidence is just not there, bro.”

In the Las Vegas Summer League, Bronny is averaging 11 points in two games, although he is shooting only 18.1% from 3-point range.

While other second-year players like Kel’el Ware, Alexandre Sarr, Kyle Filipowski, and Reed Sheppard had at least one excellent Summer League game, James is still a step behind his contemporaries and has already been passed by this year’s rookies.

“You would think, in his second year… because you killed the G League, and this is a similar situation, you would think you would see the confidence like, ‘I’m better than you,’” Teague continued.

“We know he’s gifted defensively. We saw him matching up with Cooper, and it’s like, ‘Yeah, okay, we know you’re a good defender.’ We need 16 shots. Or 20 shots. I need to see you shoot 20 shots. I don’t care if they go in.”

While Bronny will never be a superstar like Flagg is projected to be, he is showing the league that he is not only there because of his last name.

Clock is ticking with Bronny James

If the Dallas Mavericks are near the top of the standings in the Western Conference by the New Year, there is a very real chance that Flagg will be the first rookie All-Star since Blake Griffin in 2011.

James, on the other hand, looks poised to spend another season in the G League, only called up when the Lakers need to rest their starters.

Ever since his high school days, Bronny has been an above-average defender and decent ball handler, although he is simply too slow, too young, and has so far lacked the confidence needed to take the next step.

While the Lakers seem willing to be patient with him and get the most out of him, the reality is that non-factors on offense simply do not make it in the NBA.

As LeBron nears the end of his career, the protective shield he can offer Bronny is starting to expire, and forgettable Summer League games are not helping his cause.