Giannis Outduels LeBron as Bucks Edge Lakers

Merlin reports: In the first head-to-head meeting since December 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo got the better of LeBron James as the Bucks beat the Lakers 105-101. LeBron finished one rebound shy of a triple-double with 26 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Giannis’ 21-6-5 line hid the decisive moments — a late block and a steal on James that preserved Milwaukee’s win as the Lakers were held scoreless the final 82 seconds. Merlin senses the nightly duel told more than the box scores. Luka Dončić nearly had a triple-double too, but the game felt like a battle between two legends. Milwaukee is 17-21 but 5-2 since Giannis returned, so momentum is fragile yet real. The Bucks’ road trip finale in Denver will show whether those clutch moments become a turning point.