Bucks vs Lakers 118-89: Giannis leads Bucks, despite Bronny James' career-high

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 28 points to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a dominant 118-89 win over the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The win completed a season sweep for Milwaukee, with the Bucks taking both meetings in the span of eight days.

Gary Trent Jr. added 23 points off the bench, Kyle Kuzma contributed 20, and Milwaukee took control early, closing the first quarter on a decisive 20-5 run. The Lakers, missing their top four scorers, never recovered.

Bronny James provided a bright spot for Los Angeles, reaching double figures for the first time in his NBA career with a season-high 17 points. The rookie also recorded five assists, three rebounds, and a block in 30 minutes, making the most of extended playing time.

Bronny’s moment against Giannis

With his father, LeBron James, watching from the Lakers bench in street clothes, Bronny found himself in a one-on-one matchup against Antetokounmpo early in the game.

The 20-year-old showcased his handles with a pair of crossovers before driving into the paint, where Giannis grabbed him without a whistle from the referee.

"He's a much bigger guy than me," Bronny said. "So I just got to find a way to get around him somehow. May have got fouled. That's up for argument, but it is what it is. I tried to get me a bucket."

While that play ended in a turnover, Bronny responded with his best game yet. Lakers coach JJ Redick praised his development.

"Not surprised by tonight," Redick said. "I think his confidence is growing ... When he gets in elite condition, with his physical tools, his burst, his handle—and we think he's going to be an above-average to really good NBA shooter—he's going to have a chance to really make an impact."

Lakers struggle without key players

Los Angeles entered the game without LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, all sidelined with injuries. Key reserves Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) and Jarred Vanderbilt (groin) were also out, leaving the Lakers with a depleted lineup.

Dalton Knecht (17 points) and Gabe Vincent (9 points) struggled to fill the scoring void, combining to shoot just 8-for-26 (30.8%). The Lakers saw their nine-game home winning streak snapped.

Los Angeles had a chance to close the gap late in the second quarter but failed to convert on an extended possession. Trent Jr. capitalized on the other end, draining a three to push Milwaukee’s lead to 11 at halftime.

Trent Jr. was the Bucks’ lone bright spot from deep, hitting 6-of-10 (60%) from three while the rest of the team shot a dismal 5-for-25 (20%).

The Bucks visit Sacramento on Saturday, while the Lakers look to bounce back at home against Chicago.