Giannis Shuts Down LeBron to Seal Bucks 105-101 Win Past Lakers/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Giannis Antetokounmpo blocked and stripped LeBron James in the final seconds, helping the Milwaukee Bucks rally past the Los Angeles Lakers 105-101. Kevin Porter Jr. led the Bucks with 22 points, including key free throws down the stretch. The win marks Milwaukee’s first against a winning team since December.
Bucks vs Lakers Showdown Quick Looks
- Giannis blocks LeBron and steals ball in final minute
- Kevin Porter Jr. scores 22 points with clutch free throws
- Giannis finishes with 21 points in return from injury
- Luka Doncic scores 24 but fouls out in crunch time
- LeBron puts up 26-10-9 but falls short late
- Bucks earn first win over winning team since December 11
- Lakers drop sixth game in last ten outings
- Milwaukee held a double-digit lead before Lakers’ fourth-quarter run
- Lakers missing Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura to injury
- Hachimura could return next week, says coach JJ Redick
Giannis Shuts Down LeBron to Seal Bucks 105-101 Win Past Lakers
Deep Look
In a thrilling Friday night finish in Los Angeles, Giannis Antetokounmpo stamped his authority on both ends of the floor, blocking a LeBron James layup and stealing the ball from the Lakers star on back-to-back possessions in the final minute to lift the Milwaukee Bucks to a 105-101 comeback win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
The victory snapped a cold stretch against winning teams for Milwaukee and highlighted Giannis’ return to peak form following a right calf strain. Though he scored a modest 21 points — his lowest since returning from injury — his defensive presence in the clutch proved decisive.
With the game tied at 101 and under a minute remaining, Antetokounmpo timed a perfect block on a driving layup attempt by James. Moments later, with the Lakers hoping for a late bucket, Giannis knocked the ball loose from James with just two seconds remaining. Kevin Porter Jr. sank two free throws after each defensive stop, ultimately sealing the Bucks’ fifth win in their last seven games.
Porter led all Bucks scorers with 22 points and delivered when it mattered most, hitting all four of his late-game free throws. The young guard also tied the game with a layup inside two minutes, stopping a Lakers surge that had erased Milwaukee’s earlier double-digit advantage.
For Los Angeles, LeBron James delivered a near triple-double, finishing with 26 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. But despite his consistent production throughout the game, he couldn’t overcome Giannis’ late-game defense, and the Lakers stumbled to their sixth loss in their last ten outings.
Luka Doncic had a rough night by his standards. Though he added 24 points and nine assists, he shot just 8-for-25 from the field and fouled out with 16.2 seconds left after contesting Porter’s three-point attempt. It was Doncic’s lowest-scoring game since Christmas and a frustrating finish to a night in which he energized the Lakers with 12 third-quarter points.
Milwaukee took early control of the game, building a double-digit lead in the first half despite Antetokounmpo being limited due to injury management. However, the momentum swung in the fourth when the Lakers went on a 17-4 run, flipping a ten-point deficit into a lead behind LeBron’s energetic play.
James put the Lakers ahead with just over six minutes to play after he picked Giannis’ pocket for a breakaway layup. But the Bucks remained composed, and a timely bucket from Porter tied the game again with two minutes remaining, setting the stage for Giannis’ defensive brilliance.
The Bucks’ shooting faltered in the fourth quarter — missing nine of their first 12 attempts — but timely stops and smart decisions at both ends allowed them to hang on and ultimately reclaim the lead when it mattered most.
For the Lakers, key absences continue to shape their rotation. Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura were both out due to injuries. Hachimura, who has missed six games with a calf injury, could return early next week according to head coach JJ Redick.
Milwaukee’s win not only strengthens their recent stretch but offers a confidence boost heading into a tough road matchup against the defending champion Denver Nuggets. For the Lakers, the loss highlights lingering issues with closing out tight games — especially against playoff-caliber opponents.
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