Lakers Summer League Explodes: New Draft Picks Dominate Vegas Opener—Key Takeaways & Full Highlights

LAS VEGAS — The Los Angeles Lakers have turned the 2025 NBA 2K26 Summer League into a must-watch event for purple-and-gold die-hards and curious Bronny James followers alike. After splitting their first two games in Las Vegas—an 87-85 heart-stopper against the Mavericks on opening night and a convincing 94-81 bounce-back over the Pelicans on July 12—the young Lakers sit at 1-1 with momentum building heading into a marquee city showdown with the Clippers tonight (10:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV) and a rivalry clash with the Celtics on July 17 (9 p.m. ET, ESPN). Why Lakers Summer League matters in 2025 • Bronny James’ development: The 2024 second-rounder is flashing two-way upside. He poured in a Summer-League-best 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting in Monday’s California Classic finale, then followed with 14 points, three assists and two steals versus New Orleans, punctuating the win with a buzzer-beating layup that lit up social media. • Dalton Knecht’s scoring punch: The No. 17 pick is showing why L.A. coveted his microwave offense, averaging 16.5 points and drilling 42 percent from deep through four Summer League contests. • Front-court auditions: Seven-footer Christian Koloko (health cleared) and rim-running rookie Trey Jemison III are battling to become Anthony Davis’ full-time backup. Complete 2025 Lakers Summer League roster G Dalton Knecht (4) G Bronny James (9) C Christian Koloko (10) G RJ Davis (26) G DJ Steward (27) F Sam Mennenga (29) G Augustas Marciulionis (31) F Darius Bazley (36) G TY Johnson (38) G Sir’Jabari Rice (40) F Cole Swider (41) F Eric Dixon (43) G DaJaun Gordon (45) F Julian Reese (50) G Ethan Taylor (54) C Trey Jemison III (55) F Arthur Kaluma (65) Vegas schedule & how to watch • July 14 – vs Clippers, 10:30 p.m. ET (NBA TV) • July 15 – off/training • July 17 – vs Celtics, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN) • July 18-20 – consolation or playoff rounds (TBD; ESPN/ESPN2/NBA TV) Games stream on the ESPN app (with cable login) or NBA TV via participating providers; box scores update in real time on NBA.com and ESPN’s Summer League hub. Key storylines to track 1. Bronny’s perimeter jumper: After hitting 3-of-4 threes in his breakout, consistency from distance could solidify a two-way contract. 2. Knecht’s shot creation: The rookie is already drawing pin-downs and pick-and-roll reps; another scoring explosion would bolster his case for second-unit minutes this fall. 3. Backup-5 battle: Koloko’s rim protection vs Jemison’s rebounding is the roster’s most tangible position fight. 4. Two-way slots: Cole Swider (elite spacing) and Sir’Jabari Rice (pesky on-ball defense) are frontrunners for L.A.’s final two-way deal. What’s next Head coach Beau Levesque stressed that “summer league is about habits.” If the Lakers maintain the defensive energy that held the Pelicans to 34 percent shooting, they’ll be in the hunt for the July 20 championship game and, more importantly, will give Darvin Ham rotation-ready depth when training camp opens in September. For fans chasing every Bronny fast break and Dalton Knecht heat-check, keep the remote handy: the Lakers Summer League tour continues tonight under the Vegas lights—and every dunk, steal and late-game bucket is shaping LeBron’s supporting cast of tomorrow.