LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis blocks LeBron, LeBron James Lakers future, Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Lakers Bucks game, Lakers news, Luka Doncic fouled out
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles from Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a 105-101 Bucks win at Crypto.com Arena on January 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Before Friday night, the Los Angeles Lakers hadn’t lost a clutch game this season, but that was ended thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo and his steal and block in the final minute against LeBron James.
With Luka Doncic fouled out, James attempted to take over for the Lakers, but Antetokounmpo put a stop to that, as Los Angeles now fell to 23-13. Speaking after the game, the Greek Freak discussed his game-clinching stops on the league’s all-time leading scorer.
“Down the stretch, I just wanted to take the challenge,” Antetokounmpo said. “I wanted to stay in front of him as best I could. Because you knew that he’s going to make a play. He’s not going to pass it. And it worked out in my favor.”
Antetokounmpo finished the game with 21 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks on 9/11 shooting in 31 minutes as the Milwaukee Bucks took the four-point win. Despite his efforts, James couldn’t lead the Lakers to another clutch win, but finished with 26 points, nine rebounds, and ten assists, a rare stat line this season that hasn’t been seen much as his battle with Father Time continues to ramp up.
Giannis On LeBron, Bucks Win Over Lakers
The Lakers were previously 13-0 this season in games that were decided by five points or fewer. They were playing down for most of the contest, and after Doncic fouled out for only the third time in his career (first time since 2022), James nearly brought Los Angeles back for the win.
However, Antetokounmpo, amid all the questions surrounding his future with the Bucks, put a stop to any possible comeback. Milwaukee has now won five of its last seven games since Antetokounmpo returned from injury.
“We’re playing well, right? So, we cannot be comfortable,” he added after the win. “We can’t be complacent right now. We got to keep on pushing, pushing our envelope, put our foot in the pedal and keep on moving forward.”
But even after defeating the Lakers with his last-minute steal and block against their aging star, Antetokounmpo made it clear the respect he has for James in what might be one of their last times competing against each other.
“You never know,” Antetokounmpo said, according to ESPN. “Might be our last game against one another.”
Following the game, James presented Antetokounmpo with his jersey.
“It means a lot to me,” he added. “I have the utmost respect for him and his family and the way he’s carried himself for 23 years. And as I said, I miss going against him. I think he brings the best out of me as a player, and he’s one of the guys that I definitely look up to on the court and off the court.”
James himself added that he is grateful anytime he competes against the NBA’s best, whether it be Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and others.
“At this point in my career, it’s always great to go against some of the greats.”
LeBron Injury Update, Lakers Injury Report
While he did nearly lead the Lakers to yet another clutch win, James was previously listed as questionable for the contest with a foot injury and his lingering sciatica. However, after being upgraded to probable after missing the team’s last game against the San Antonio Spurs, he suited up and just missed out on leading Los Angeles to a record-breaking 14th-straight clutch victory.
However, James’ availability for Friday night’s contest could be overshadowed by recent comments he made about his status for back-to-back games going forward for the rest of the season.
After the team’s Tuesday night win over the New Orleans Pelicans, James said he would consider himself ‘TBD’ for back-to-backs.
Dave McMenamin
“Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD. I am 41, I got the most minutes in NBA history … bank it right now” – LeBron James on his status for Wednesday vs. San Antonio
“Every back-to-back for the rest of the season is TBD,” James said, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I am 41, I got the most minutes in NBA history…bank it right now.”
Despite James previously saying a few weeks ago that he thought he was faring well in his battle with Father Time, the injuries, and his status as the oldest player in the NBA appear to be catching up. While he only had the clutch-time responsibilities due to Doncic fouling out, James seems to be taking a backseat to the team’s new franchise star as he’s now officially in the twilight of his career.
Along with James likely now being in and out of the Lakers’ injury report as the season goes on, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and rookie Adou Thiero missed the team’s game against the Bucks.
Reaves suffered a calf injury on Christmas and isn’t expected to return until the end of January at the earliest. Hachimura has missed the last few contests with a calf injury of his own, but could return for their next matchup against the Sacramento Kings. Thiero is also set to miss a decent chunk of time with an MCL sprain.
As seen with their recent form, the Lakers need all the help they can get from their full roster if they truly want to consider themselves title contenders.