In a highly anticipated NBA summer league matchup, Bronny James played great defense against No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg

LAS VEGAS — Thomas & Mack Center was buzzing on Thursday night, when No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks took on Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Dallas Mavericks No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg made his highly-anticipated NBA Summer League debut against Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers, and the game lived up to the hype. Flag finished the game with 10 points,

Flagg's debut will signify a new era for Dallas basketball. It's been just over five months since the franchise traded cornerstone Luka Dončić to the Lakers in a deal that brought back star big man Anthony Davis.

Frenzy became bedlam on the next play. Flagg talked trash to James, ran to his spot on the left wing, pivoted off the catch and nailed the shot before turning to exult with his future Mavericks varsity teammates, who cheered him on decked out in casual wear from their courtside seats.

But with all eyes on him, Bronny proved he's not his father. It's something everyone suspected, and this was more evidence. Bronny can learn from this and grow and still have a decent NBA career. But presented with a chance to save the day for the Lakers' Summer League team, Bronny chose wrong.

They are back in action on Tuesday in a game against the San Antonio Spurs, which also marks Bronny James' second Summer League appearance after sitting out the Warriors game. Jam