Nembhard and Flagg spark Mavericks to thrilling summer league victory against Lakers

In a highly anticipated Las Vegas Summer League debut, the Dallas Mavericks edged the Los Angeles Lakers 87–85 in a back-and-forth battle that gave fans a first look at Cooper Flagg and an emerging star in undrafted rookie Ryan Nembhard.

Nembhard was the story of the night, showcasing poise, control, and shot-making under pressure. The former Gonzaga guard poured in 21 points and dished out five assists, including the go-ahead three-pointer with just over a minute left. His leadership and confidence at the point guard spot made a strong case for him to earn a deeper look from the Mavericks front office.

Meanwhile, top pick Cooper Flagg had a mixed but encouraging debut. The 19-year-old forward struggled with his shot, going just 5-of-21 from the field and 0-of-5 from deep. Still, his impact was felt across the stat sheet and the court. Flagg tallied 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block, highlighted by a clutch defensive stop late in the fourth quarter that led to Nembhard’s go-ahead bucket.

Despite the inefficient shooting, Flagg impressed with his energy, vision, and maturity. He played a team-high 32 minutes, often initiating the offense and even logging time as the lead ball-handler—something head coach Jason Kidd hinted at before the game.

Miles Kelly added 17 points for Dallas off the bench, but it was the chemistry between Flagg and Nembhard that stood out. Whether in transition, on cuts, or in the pick-and-roll, the duo found ways to complement each other’s game—something promising for the Mavericks’ development program.

The win moves Dallas to 1–0 in Summer League play. With another game on the horizon, all eyes will continue to be on how Flagg adjusts and how Nembhard builds on his strong performance. If night one was any indication, the Mavericks may have found more than just their top draft pick in Vegas—they may have found a hidden gem.