Bucks at Lakers
Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James battle on the same floor when the NBA-best Milwaukee Bucks visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. Antetokounmpo is one of the leading candidates for MVP honors while James is trying to guide the Lakers to the playoffs in his first season with the team.
James recorded 33 points and 10 assists in Wednesday's 125-119 home win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The victory was just the fifth in the past 15 games for the Lakers, who haven't won consecutive games since Jan. 15 (Chicago) and 17 (Oklahoma City). The Bucks have won six straight games and 18 of their past 20 after posting a 141-140 overtime road win over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, when Antetokounmpo (knee) was limited to 24 minutes. "He feels good," Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters afterward. "It's not just about the pain or what he's feeling today. It's how are we going to have him healthy, have him fresh, have him feeling good going forward. Sometimes you just have to maybe put a little money in the bank."
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles)
ABOUT THE BUCKS (47-14): Antetokounmpo missed Monday's game against the Chicago Bulls because of the knee injury and produced 17 points and seven rebounds in his limited action against Sacramento. Eric Bledsoe stepped up with 26 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds for his first triple-double of the season and fifth of his career and fellow guard Malcolm Brogdon added 25 points as Milwaukee staved off the Kings. "It builds a lot of confidence," Budenholzer said. "All year, we've been talking about different guys can step up and make plays. For Malcolm to make a shot, for Bled to make all the big plays he did, it speaks well for us going forward."
ABOUT THE LAKERS (30-31): James has been frustrated with the club's recent struggles but everybody's mood was better after the win over the Pelicans. Los Angeles had 37 assists on 49 made baskets - point guard Rajon Rondo recorded a season-best 16 assists - and forwards Brandon Ingram (23 points) and Kyle Kuzma (22) were also sharp. James is averaging 11 assists over the past three games and reached double digits in five of the last eight contests.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Bucks won the past three meetings.
2. Milwaukee has won nine straight road games, matching the third-longest streak in franchise history.
3. Los Angeles reserve SG Lance Stephenson (sprained toe) departed the New Orleans game and could sit out Friday.