Not everyone is looking forward to the day that Lebron James will retire from the NBA but it will come. And so, they are savoring this season. Both his fans and colleagues. Giannis Antetokounmpo is among those who would not waste the chance to dap up with the four-time NBA champion.
The Greek Freak got double wins on Friday as his Milwaukee Bucks beat the Los Angles Lakers. It was an intense battle between the two teams with game going down to just one possessions and Giannis making two defensive stops against James no less.
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO GOT TWO GAME-SAVING STOPS ON LEBRON JAMES IN THE CLUTCH! ❌❌
▪️Game-saving block
▪️Game-saving stealBucks beat Lakers, 105-101!
Two legends going at it! 💯 pic.twitter.com/3ldtz8lmie
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) January 10, 2026
Bucks walked away with the road victory and Antetokounmpo also got Lebron’s jersey. He was like a happy kid talking about his souvenir. He got it not on the court but on the Lakers locker room.
Giannis walked into the Bucks locker room last night wearing a signed LeBron jersey, per @ramonashelburne.
Thanasis also received a Bronny James jersey. pic.twitter.com/E9XDIfSFcM
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 10, 2026
Antetokounmpo finished with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists while Lebron James had an almost triple double of 26-9-10.
Giannis Antetokounmpo thinks it might be the last
The thing with this Greek Freak-King James encounter is that it was the first time they met on court since 2023. Either of them gets injured when their schedule match.
James playing next season is also not a guarantee. That’s what Antetokounmpo was thinking why he asked for James’ worn uniform.
Reporter to Giannis: “How did you get [LeBron’s] jersey?”
Giannis: “I just asked for it. You never know. Might be our last game against one another. I hadn’t played him since 2022. He had a couple of injuries [since] that time. Had the opportunity in 2026, 4 years later to play… pic.twitter.com/G8JMloJGRe
— Bucks Lead (@BucksLead) January 10, 2026
He also discussed in details the legacy and effect Lebron will leave to the game if ever.
“It means a lot to me. I got his jersey tonight. I think he is the blueprint for every athlete, not just basketball athletes, on how to be consistent,” he told reporters post-game.
“To be consistent for 23 years, to be available, to be a winner, to lead by example. It is incredible for me to be around greatness and I will never take it for granted. I have the utmost respect for him and his family and the way he has carried himself for 22 years. I think he brings the best out of me as a player and he’s one of those guys that I definitely look up to.”
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