The Lakers lost their highly anticipated Summer League match-up against the Mavericks in a nail-biting 85-87 game. Since it was Cooper Flagg’s first game in a Mavericks uniform, all eyes were fixed on the game to see how the young Lakers players Bronny James and Dalton Knecht performed against the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
However, the Lakers suffered a massive setback near the end of the game as their young sophomore Knecht went down, clenching his knee. After the game, the Lakers’ Summer League head coach Lindsay Sterling confirmed that Knecht suffered calf cramps during the game. Cramps are not usually long-term concerns, and Knecht is expected to recover soon.
What Happened During Lakers vs. Mavericks?
Dalton Knecht finished the game as the second-highest scorer for the Lakers and had 15 points, four rebounds, and two assists in the game while shooting 6 of 16 from the floor (37.5%). Bronny James finished the game with eight points, two rebounds, and two assists while missing what could have been the game-winner for the Lakers.
Not the most memorable night for either of these players, but there was a silver lining for the Lakers. Knecht and James were overshadowed by their teammate Cole Swider. The former undrafted Lakers player finished the game with 22 points and 10 rebounds, arguably the only one who kept this game close for the Lakers. He is averaging over 20 points per game in the Summer League and could earn a call-up from the Lakers if he stays consistent like this.
Meanwhile, for the Mavericks, Ryan Nembhard, the brother of NBA player Andrew Nembhard, was the leading scorer with 21 points and five assists. He overshadowed Cooper Flagg in the second half, who went cold after scoring all his 10 points in the first half. But Flagg also had six rebounds, four assists, and three steals, therefore stuffing the box score in multiple ways beyond just scoring.
The Lakers face the Pelicans next in the Summer League, with two more games to go beyond that against the Clippers and Celtics. The Mavericks are set to face the San Antonio Spurs next, where Cooper Flagg will likely clash with the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Dylan Harper.
The Summer League is a good opportunity for teams with young rosters to try out different strategies in the game. It also helps players gain the confidence they need heading into the offseason.
