The Milwaukee Bucks will continue their four-game road trip with a highly anticipated matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 9, 2025. This game will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Bucks vs. Lakers Preview: Key Stats and Players
The Bucks are entering this game following a tough 120-113 loss to the Golden State Warriors on January 7. Despite this setback, Milwaukee aims to improve its current record of 16-21 against a formidable Lakers team that boasts a 23-12 record, placing them fifth in the Western Conference.
Scoring Leaders and Performances
In their last outing, Milwaukee led by 11 points late in the second quarter and ended halftime ahead 61-52. Key performances included:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: 12 points
- Kevin Porter Jr.: 12 points
- Luka Dončić (Lakers): 12 points in the third quarter
- LeBron James (Lakers): 13 points leading all scorers
However, the Bucks struggled from beyond the arc, shooting only 25% (3-for-12). They briefly held a five-point lead before the Lakers closed the quarter strong, finishing the first quarter with a narrow 25-24 lead.
Injury Reports and Player Availability
Antetokounmpo has had his minutes closely monitored since returning from a calf injury but has continued to average over 30 points per game. His performance ranks him among the most efficient scorer in NBA history.
LeBron James is expected to play, having been upgraded to probable despite managing ongoing foot and sciatica issues. Luka Dončić is also set to appear, as the MVP candidate continues to lead the league in scoring with an average of 33.7 points per game.
NBA All-Star Voting Update
As of January 5, both Antetokounmpo and Dončić lead the fan voting for their respective conferences. Voting concludes on January 14, and the All-Star Game will occur on February 15, featuring an innovative team selection format that allows a mix of U.S. and international players.
Game Broadcast and Viewing Options
The Bucks vs. Lakers game will begin at 9:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast locally on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin. Additionally, an immersive viewing experience will be available through a partnership between Spectrum SportsNet and Apple for Apple Vision Pro users.
Betting Odds
As the game approaches, Los Angeles is favored by 3.5 points over Milwaukee, with the total set at 230.5 points according to BetMGM. This matchup promises to be an exciting encounter between two of the league’s prominent teams.
