Since entering the league, Giannis Antetokounmpo has shared the floor with several all-time greats. However, few command his respect quite like Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James.
Following Friday night’s game between the Bucks and the Lakers, Giannis had the chance to receive LeBron James’ jersey that clearly meant a great deal to him. After the game, the Milwaukee star openly reflected on what James represents to him as both a player and a professional.
“It means a lot to me,” Giannis said. “You never know, I got his jersey tonight. I think it’s a blueprint for every athlete, not just basketball athletes. To be able 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 never take it for granted. I have the utmost respect for him and his family and the way he’s carried himself for 23 years.
“I got his jersey tonight.”
Giannis has the utmost respect for LeBron. pic.twitter.com/woRFIJe1vD
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 10, 2026
“Off the court, whenever I press him, he knows I have the utmost respect for him and what he’s accomplished in his 23-year career. Because this is year 13 for me, and I kind of understand now how hard it is to be consistent and available. It’s definitely not easy. So I can see how hard my journey has been. I can imagine how hard his journey has been. So it’s always going to be respected.”
Even at 41 years old, James continues to showcase elite athleticism that Giannis saw up close on Friday night. The Lakers star recorded a double-double with 26 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists against Milwaukee. Still, it was the Bucks who had the final say, securing a 105–101 victory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Voices Frustration over Officiating
After the win, Giannis Antetokounmpo also addressed his frustration with what he felt was a lack of calls in his favor during the game against Los Angeles.
“If I fall on the floor, usually somebody pushes me or somebody hits me in my face,” Giannis said. “My coaches tell me hey man you’re so hard to be officiated. You’re having the shot treatment like they foul you and they don’t call nothing you just play through contact.
“I had a basket which I thought in my opinion thought it was and one. Coming down I get pushed…why is that not called?”
Despite his frustration, Giannis let his performance speak for itself. He finished the night with 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists. That outing also pushed him past LeBron James on the all-time list for games with at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists while shooting 80% from the field.
The victory improved Milwaukee’s record to 17–21. The Bucks will look to build on the momentum when they face the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday.
