It may be “just” Summer League, but when Cooper Flagg and Bronny James hit the court Thursday night, the buzz surrounding the event will be anything but minimal. The excitement isn’t just in the air; if ticket prices are anything to go by, this is a spectacle that fans and basketball enthusiasts can’t seem to ignore.
Flagg, the rising star, and the Dallas Mavericks are set to square off against Bronny James, the son of NBA legend LeBron James, and the Los Angeles Lakers in what’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated clashes of the NBA offseason. According to Colin Salao of Front Office Sports, this year’s opening day of the Las Vegas Summer League has seen average ticket prices soar to an impressive $201—marking the highest ever for this annual showcase. When it comes to general admission, fans should be prepared to fork out at least $83 to get in, while courtside seats are going for over $2,500. To put that into perspective, that’s often more than what fans would pay for some regular-season games!
At the heart of this electrifying matchup is Cooper Flagg, who is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. His remarkable college career at Duke has earned him rave reviews, with averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game—while shooting an impressive 48.1% from the field and nearly 39% from three-point range. His unique combination of size, skill, and defensive prowess has had scouts talking for years. This Thursday will be his first opportunity to shine on a nationally televised stage, a moment that has been eagerly awaited by fans and analysts alike.
On the other side, you’ll find Bronny James. The young player made his mark as the No. 55 pick in the 2024 draft. Last season, he showcased flashes of talent between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, averaging 21.9 points in the G League. One highlight that stands out was a breakout game against the Milwaukee Bucks in March, during which he scored 17 points and dished out five assists in just 29 minutes.
This Thursday’s game will also be Bronny’s second outing of the summer. He scored 10 points in a thrilling victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday, where he captured everyone’s attention with an impressive first-quarter steal followed by a slam that exploded across social media platforms.
As for the franchises involved, the Mavericks and Lakers have been making headlines for their recent moves. In a surprising twist, Dallas GM Nico Harrison traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers last season, bringing in Anthony Davis and Max Christie in exchange. This bold maneuver has certainly shifted the course of both organizations, signaling a new chapter for each franchise. Although Doncic and Davis won’t be playing this Thursday, fans are still eager to see how the Summer League rosters will unfold.
Looking ahead, after this marquee matchup between Flagg and Bronny, the Mavericks will take on the San Antonio Spurs, Charlotte Hornets, and Philadelphia 76ers, with an eye towards potential playoff appearances. But for now, all eyes are on the desert showdown, which promises to be the most sought-after ticket since Victor Wembanyama’s debut last summer. The anticipation is palpable, and fans can expect nothing less than an electrifying experience when these two young stars take the court.
Image Source: Bronny James @ Instagram
