LeBron James swaps jersey with Giannis Antetokounmpo after Bucks edge Lakers 105-101
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LOS ANGELES — Giannis Antetokounmpo left Crypto.com Arena on Friday night carrying LeBron James’ No. 23 jersey after the Milwaukee Bucks held off the Los Angeles Lakers, 105-101.
The exchange took place moments after Antetokounmpo stripped James on a drive with the Lakers trailing by two in the final seconds. When the horn sounded, the two superstars met at midcourt, embraced and swapped uniforms, marking their first on-court meeting since Dec. 2, 2022.
“It means a lot to me, I got his jersey tonight,” Antetokounmpo said. “He is the blueprint for every athlete on how to be consistent for 23 years, to be available, to be a winner, to lead by example. I will never take it for granted.”
James, 41, echoed the mutual respect. “At this point in my career it’s always great to go against some of the greats,” he said, listing Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Kawhi Leonard. “It’s always an honor and a pleasure.”
Antetokounmpo, who is 10 years younger than James, scored the decisive steal in a game that featured 17 lead changes. The victory moved Milwaukee to 27-11; Los Angeles fell to 24-14.
Redick questions late-game execution
Lakers head coach JJ Redick called the defeat the team’s first “clutch” loss of the season and said he should have taken a timeout after the Bucks missed a free throw that left the score 103-101. “That’s on me,” he admitted, while also citing breakdowns on the floor during the final possession.
The Lakers will host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, while the Bucks continue their West Coast trip against the Clippers.
Source: Lakers Nation
