The Milwaukee Bucks’ West Coast road trip continues as they stop in LA to face the Los Angeles Lakers. These two teams met a week ago, and Milwaukee cruised to a comfortable 126-106 victory.
Where We’re At
It has been a struggle for the Bucks, who have lost five of their last seven games. One of their lone bright spots was their victory over the (hobbled, but largely resurgent) Lakers last week. The Bucks’ offense has been the main issue in the recent run of play; in some moments, it looks like it reaches a flow state with baskets coming easy. In other moments, it’s like watching grown men try to put literal bricks through the hoop. Against the Warriors on Tuesday night, Milwaukee’s second and fourth quarter offense ultimately sunk them, stagnating at the worst possible moments with turnovers and questionable shot selection as the main culprits. Sorting those issues out has been and remains goal number one for Milwaukee.
As for the Lakers, the trade for Luka Doncic was a slam dunk regardless of what happens for the rest of the 2024–25 season. That it has (predictably) already paid off in a big way is just a nice bonus. Surprisingly, the Lakers have improved the most on the defensive side of the ball with the fourth-best defensive rating since the All-Star Break (109.1). JJ Redick has fared better than expected as a rookie head coach, and with Luka and LeBron James in tow this is a team that could be a dark horse title contender. The Lakers played last night against the Denver Nuggets, winning 120-108.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (patella tendinopathy), Damian Lillard (groin soreness), and Gary Trent Jr. (patella tendinopathy) are again listed as probable for tonight’s game with their respective ailments. Jericho Sims is out after his thumb surgery. Bobby Portis continues to serve his suspension.
LeBron James, Rui Hachiumura, and Maxi Kleber were all out for the Lakers last night, although we won’t have a fresh update from LA until midday since they’re on a back-to-back. We’ll update this article when we know more.
Player To Watch
Giannis and Dame. I couldn’t pick just one because it appears that Giannis and Dame are being tasked with being the focal points of fixing Milwaukee’s offense. Per Chris Haynes, Doc Rivers, Giannis, and Dame met after Milwaukee’s defeat to Golden State to collaborate, identify, and solve Milwaukee’s offense woes. Will this meeting be beneficial? Odds are likely no. (editor’s note: I’d be remiss if Kyle’s line didn’t make it into this preview: “Could this meeting have been an email?”)
