Lakers dominate Dallas Mavericks in NBA2K23 Summer League finale

The Dallas Mavericks never quite found their footing in the NBA2K23 Summer League in Las Vegas. They struggled to move the ball, hit shots, and stay connected on defense. The Los Angeles Lakers exploited that in the team’s summer league finale as they jumped out to a 20-point lead in the first half and never looked back.

The Mavericks were the only winless team in Las Vegas, but they had plenty of chances. Dallas lost two one-point games to begin the event, and rookie second-round pick Jaden Hardy gained valuable experience. He struggled with his jumper and adjusting to double teams in summer league. Hardy started with a 28-point performance, but he could not match it over the final four.

The Mavericks made a run in the second half, but it was too little too late as the Lakers picked up the 95-84 win. It was an up-and-down final game from Hardy, and here is a closer look at Saturday night’s game.

Lakers dominated Dallas Mavericks in NBA2K23 Summer League finale

Jaden Hardy had his moments on Saturday night as he went for 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 30 minutes of action. Hardy made six of his 13 field goals, but the seven turnovers were costly. The 20-year-old showed some flashes like the pull-up jumper below.

Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Greg St. Jean talked on the ESPN broadcast about continuing Hardy’s development before training camp. The team got a ton of valuable film on their 20-year-old rookie, and now they need to help him improve for the remainder of the summer.

A.J. Lawson was the Mavericks leading scorer against the Lakers with 19 points to go with five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. The 6’6 wing was arguably the Mavs best player in Vegas, and he made a case for a two-way contract next season.

There is usually a break after the summer league wraps up, but there will still be plenty to talk about as long as Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell remain on the trade block. Will the Dallas Mavericks get involved in a trade before training camp begins? Stay tuned to find out.