Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 28 points as the Milwaukee Bucks beat a shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers team 118-89 in the Western Conference. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves missed the game due to sprained ankles, adding to the Lakers’ long list of injuries that includes starters LeBron James and Rui Hachimura. Lakers head coach JJ Redick also didn’t have key players Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt available for the Bucks’ visit.
Antetokounmpo grabbed seven rebounds and made four assists, while Gary Trent Jr. contributed 23 points off the bench, helping the Bucks secure only their third win in eight games. Kyle Kuzma chipped in with 20 points, allowing the Bucks to sweep the season series after previously defeating the Lakers 126-106 eight days earlier in Milwaukee.
Bronny James, the son of LeBron, scored a career-high 17 points and added five assists, marking the first time he reached double figures in 22 NBA games. This was also the third time in his rookie season that the 20-year-old played at least three games in a row. “I’m building my confidence and getting comfortable by practicing and taking advantage of my chances whenever I get them—being ready all the time is what matters most to me,” Bronny stated after the game.
Dalton Knecht also scored 17 points for the Lakers, but it wasn’t enough to extend their nine-game home winning streak. The Bucks will next head to play against the Sacramento Kings, while the Lakers will host the Chicago Bulls.
