The Las Vegas Summer League, one of the most eagerly awaited events in the basketball calendar, kicks off on Thursday with an exciting lineup of seven games. The standout matchup features No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks squaring off against the Los Angeles Lakers, promising to be a highlight of the multi-week showcase.
Each team is slated to play at least five games during the summer league, developing their rookies and second-year players. Following the initial four games, the top four teams will advance to the playoffs, with the semifinals set for July 19. The championship game will crown the winner on July 20, where last year the Miami Heat emerged victorious against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The league also features several intriguing matchups, including a clash between the top two picks from the 2025 NBA Draft, as Flagg’s Mavericks take on Dylan Harper’s Spurs. Other notable games on the schedule feature the Charlotte Hornets battling the Utah Jazz and the Brooklyn Nets facing the Washington Wizards.
Viewers can catch all the action at either the Thomas & Mack Center or UNLV’s Pavilion, with games available on ESPN, ESPN2, and NBA TV.
In addition to showcasing new talent, the summer league often serves as a critical platform for teams to assess their rosters as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. This year’s event not only highlights the excitement around emerging stars like Flagg and Harper but also symbolizes the overall optimism surrounding the next generation of basketball talent.