NBA fans must pay up to attend Las Vegas Summer League competition on Thursday.
A marquee clash between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers headlines the day's slate. Luka Doncic obviously won't suit up to face his former team, but rookie Cooper Flagg leads the Mavericks against Bronny James and the Lakers.
Flagg and James appeared to have driven considerable demand for their exhibition bout. According to TickPick data relayed by Front Office Sports, the average ticket costs $201 for Thursday's Summer League action. It's the highest Summer League price ever.
Courtside seats as high as $2,500 inflate that average, as general admission tickets cost $83 per seat. Lower bowl tickets are going for $650.
Those tickets aren't only for the Lakers vs. Mavericks matchup, which tips off at 8 p.m. ET. Fans receive admission to Thursday's full seven-game slate at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion.
Fans are eager to get their first glimpse of Flagg in a Mavericks uniform. After overcoming improbable odds to win the draft lottery, Dallas probably didn't deliberate much before selecting the Duke star with the No. 1 pick.
Flagg won Player of the Year as a freshman by averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. The two-way phenom led the Blue Devils to the Final Four before joining a Mavericks team desperately needing a new franchise savior after dealing Doncic to the Lakers.
Meanwhile, James will take his second swing at the Summer League circuit. The son of LeBron James arrived with much fanfare last year, but the second-round pick spent most of his rookie season in the G League.
Bronny will try to carve out an NBA role in his sophomore season. The 20-year-old guard is off to a great start, scoring 10 points in 11 minutes during the Lakers' Summer League victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday.
Those not in Vegas or not willing to spend big on Summer League tickets can watch the Mavericks and Lakers play on ESPN.
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