Giannis Antetokounmpo was all praises for the legendary LeBron James after the Los Angeles Lakers battled it out against the Milwaukee Bucks in an inter-conference game that was very much alive until the last play. While the Lakeshow was lurking comfortably around the away team, Luka Doncic fouling out, and a crucial LeBron turnover in the last minute sealed the deal for the Bucks.
After the game, Antetokounmpo was asked about his feelings playing against arguably the greatest player of all time. He replied:
“I think he is the blueprint for every athlete, not just a basketball athlete. To be consistent for 23 years, available, be a winner, lead by example is incredible. Any opportunity I have to be around greatness and compete against greatness, I will always take it…I have utmost respect for him, his family and the way he carried himslef for 23 years.”
Notably, a team only plays two games outside the conference in a season. The last time the two forwards went against each other was in 2022, due to the King’s injury woes. The Greek Freak highlighted that:
“I miss going against him. I think he brings the best out of me as a player, and he is one of the guys I definitely look upto both on the court and off the court…You never know, It mioght be out last game against one another.”
Moreover, Antetokounmpo did not miss the opportunity and grabbed a signed LeBron James jersey as well after the game. King James has been an inspiration to a lot of players in the NBA, who are superstars themselves in today’s era. That shows the longevity James had enjoyed, competing at the highest level in the league.
However, the Lakers’ unexpected loss against the Bucks had an impact on the squad, and LeBron James was at the center of it. He even addressed that in the post-game presser.
LeBron James takes blame for the Lakers’ first clutch loss this season
A loss in the final minutes of the game is something that the Lakeshow managed to avoid this season, before the loss against the Bucks, with their 13-0 record in clutch games, ones within five points in the last five minutes. In the last game as well, everything looked under control with the ball in LeBron James’ hands for the final play, trailing the away team by two points.
However, a clean strip from Giannis Antetokounmpo from behind sealed the deal for the Bucks, and LeBron James addressed that steal in his post-game conference. He said:
“Shit, I turned the ball over. Definitely can’t do that at that point in time.”
Meanwhile, turnovers have been an issue for the Lakers this season, as the team has conceded 15.5 TOs every game. Apart from several other stats, Luka Doncic (131) and Austin Reaves (75) lead the team in turnovers, while James was responsible for 48 in 19 games so far.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
