The Milwaukee Bucks snapped a three-game losing streak with a commanding 126-106 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, helping the team secure its 37th win of the season.
Luka Doncic delivered a standout performance, scoring 45 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, but the Lakers struggled without LeBron James, who missed his second consecutive game due to a left groin strain. Los Angeles also played without Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura, further limiting their depth.
The Lakers kept the game competitive early, with Doncic scoring 29 points by halftime. However, the Bucks pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Los Angeles 31-19 behind a dominant 24-7 run led by Antetokounmpo.
Brook Lopez contributed 23 points for Milwaukee, while Damian Lillard and Kevin Porter Jr. each scored 22. Lillard also added 10 assists and six rebounds, helping the Bucks maintain control throughout the second half.
Austin Reaves stepped up for the Lakers with 28 points, but the team struggled to generate consistent offense outside of him and Doncic. The absence of James and other key players forced Los Angeles to rely on big men Alex Len, Christian Koloko, and Markieff Morris, who combined for just eight points.
Milwaukee’s bench outscored Los Angeles’ reserves 45-20, with Porter providing a major boost in just 17 minutes of play. The Bucks capitalized on their depth, using efficient three-point shooting and transition play to put the game out of reach.
The Lakers, now on a three-game losing streak, will conclude their four-game road trip against the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Head coach JJ Redick confirmed that James, Hayes, and Hachimura have returned to California and will be reevaluated before the team’s upcoming homestand.
Milwaukee, coming off a last-second loss to Indiana earlier in the week, responded with a well-balanced offensive effort. The Bucks improved to 37-28 and remain in fourth place in the Eastern Conference as they push toward the postseason.
Despite Doncic’s explosive performance, the Lakers fell to 40-24 and will look to regroup.
