The Dallas Mavericks fell to 0-2 in Summer League on Saturday evening, dropping 91 to 70 to the Los Angeles Lakers at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The ultimate rating seemed lopsided, however Dallas stayed aggressive by means of the primary half earlier than the Lakers took management after the break. Los Angeles outscored the Mavericks 42 to 24 in the paint and led by as many as 27 factors.
READ MORE: Ryan Nembhard’s Busy Summer Should Lead to Bigger Mavs Role
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The story of the sport was Arthur Kaluma. The undrafted ahead, who spent the 2025-26 season in the G League, erupted for 34 factors on 11 of 16 taking pictures and made six 3-pointers. The Lakers have been already with out first-round choose Cameron Carr due to a thumb damage, however Dallas nonetheless had no reply for Kaluma.
Summer League coach Joe Boylan, who’s main the Mavericks whereas Dusty May stays in Dallas, will want to make changes earlier than Monday’s matchup.
The officiating additionally disrupted the movement of the sport. Summer League video games usually characteristic inconsistent whistles and Saturday was no exception. Frequent foul calls repeatedly stalled Dallas’ offense, making it tough for the Mavericks to set up any rhythm. Both groups handled the identical officers, however Dallas struggled extra to get better from the fixed stoppages.
Ryan Nembhard led Dallas with 12 factors and 5 assists, however he shot 3 of 11 from the sector and dedicated 5 turnovers in 29 minutes. Through two Summer League video games, Nembhard has a mixed minus 38 plus-minus whereas scuffling with each taking pictures effectivity and ball safety. Summer League outcomes deserve context, however the development is value watching.
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Morez Johnson Jr. adopted his 27-point debut towards Golden State with 10 factors on 4 of 8 taking pictures. His protection stood out once more, as he completed with 4 blocks and two steals and was Dallas’ most disruptive defender. His confidence continues to stand out, he was not afraid of contesting anybody who challenged him on the rim.
The most encouraging efficiency got here from Sergio De Larrea. After leaving the opener briefly following a knee collision, the 20-year-old guard returned to play 28 minutes and completed with 5 factors on 2 of 4 taking pictures. The field rating didn’t absolutely seize his influence. He recorded 4 assists, moved properly with out the ball and persistently made fast selections. He dedicated 4 second-half turnovers as Dallas fell behind, however he by no means compelled the motion or seemed overwhelmed.
READ MORE: Morez Johnson Jr. Scouts Mavs Summer League Debut, Rivalry with College Teammate
Both Morez and De Larrea ought to search for extra taking pictures reps in the Mavericks’ final two video games in Las Vegas. Only 12 photographs out of your first-round picks is at all times a priority.
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Several members of the Mavericks group watched from courtside. Owner Patrick Dumont attended alongside Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Naji Marshall and Santi Aldama. Tarik Biberovic, who lately signed with Dallas after shopping for out his Fenerbahce contract, additionally watched the sport. The robust turnout mirrored the tradition the Mavericks try to set up below the brand new entrance workplace.
Dallas returns to motion Monday towards the Memphis Grizzlies at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN. An 0-2 report just isn’t the largest concern, the taking pictures and turnovers deserve much more consideration.