Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has proven to be pretty clutch over the course of his career, but he isn’t perfect, and with the game on the line on Friday night, Giannis Antetokounmpo got the best of him.
In the closing seconds of the matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee held a slim 103-101 lead over L.A., but the Lakers had the ball.
Giannis Antetokounmpo forces LeBron James turnover to secure win over Lakers
Lakers star guard Luka Doncic had just fouled out of the game, so the ball was obviously going to be in James’ hands.
Here’s what happened: James had the ball at the top of the key with Antetokounmpo guarding him. James received a brush screen from Jake LaRavia, which gave James a step on Antetokounmpo.
More NBA news: LeBron James makes bold claim about Tyrese Maxey
But, as James went to turn the corner on Antetokounmpo, the Bucks forward used his length to reach around and poke the ball free from James. The Bucks were then able to secure the loose ball to effectively end the game.
You can see the play transpire below:
Giannis pokes it away from LBJ! Pic.twitter.com/BRo0YwWNbb
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 10, 2026
James finished the game against Milwaukee with 26 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds and 3 steals in 33 minutes, while Antetokounmpo tallied 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in the win.
After the game, the two legends shared some mutual respect with an embrace.
LeBron 🤝 Giannis
— NBA (@NBA) January 10, 2026
Stars showing respect after a hard-fought battle in LA! Pic.twitter.com/SNKGxzadeS
While Antetokounmpo got the win on Friday night, James still has a major edge in the all-time series between the two stars. James is now 17-7 in games played against Antetokounmpo.