Los Angeles Lakers make final decision with Bronny James for the NBA Summer League

As Bronny James heads into his sophomore season in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers have confirmed that the former second-round pick will participate in the 2025 NBA Summer League. The news was reported by NBA insider Marc Stein on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

James, who struggled to find his footing in his rookie campaign, spent time developing his game with the South Bay Lakers in the G League. He’s expected to play a featured role when the Lakers open their Summer League schedule on July 10 against the Dallas Mavericks—a game that will also mark the highly anticipated debut of No.1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.

This will be Bronny’s second Summer League stint with the Lakers. As a rookie, he appeared in four games, averaging 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game while shooting 35% from the field.

James Jr. appeared in 27 NBA games during the 2024–25 season, averaging 2.3 points in 6.7 minutes per contest. Though his minutes were limited at the NBA level, he impressed with the South BayLakers, averaging 21.9 points, 5.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals across 11 games while shooting 44% from the field and 38% from three-point range in 34.1 minutes per game.

Bronny James Jr. #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket on Dane Goodwin #33 of the Sacramento Kings during a summer league game. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Mavericks-Lakers opener draws buzz as Flagg set to debut

The Summer League opener between the Mavericks and Lakers will draw national attention as Cooper Flagg, the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, makes his professional debut for Dallas.

see also

Mavericks star Anthony Davis sends heartfelt message to Cooper Flagg after NBA Draft selection

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd confirmed that Flagg will start at point guard, signaling his intent to test the young star’s versatility right away. “I don’t look at the position, you know, I want to put him at the point guard,” Kidd said. “I want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts. Being able to run the show, being able to play the 2, play the 3. He’s comfortable playing [the 3], but we want to push, and I think he’s going to respond in a positive way. It’s all right to fail. It’s all right to turn the ball over. We’ve talked about that”.

Kidd also drew a comparison to his time developing Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. “Just understanding the guys that I’ve been around that have been young, from Giannis, giving him the ball, and he failed,” Kidd continued. “But he wanted to come back and have the ball, so I’m excited about giving [Flagg] the ball against the Lakers and see what happens. Let’s get it started right off the bat”.

Alongside Bronny James, the Lakers’ Summer League squad will include Adou Thiero, a second-round selection in the 2025 NBA Draft; two-way signee Eric Dixon; and RJ Davis, who joined the team on an Exhibit 10 contract.