LeBron James speaks on facing greats like Giannis Antetokounmpo at this stage of his career.
For the first time since 2022, LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo faced off on January 9th in Los Angeles.
The game came down to the final minute, where Giannis took over on the defensive end.
Giannis not only blocked LeBron from behind with the game tied at 101, he then poked the ball out of LeBron's hands as "The King" tried to tie the game up with the Lakers down two.
Both plays helped secure a 105-101 victory for the Bucks.
Speaking after the game, LeBron was asked about playing Giannis for the first time since 2022.
"At this point in my career, it's always great to go against some of the greats. If it's Giannis, Steph Curry, KD [Kevin Durant], James, Russ [Russell Westbrook]. Guys that I've been either going against for a long time or played with. Having those matchups...it's year 13 for Giannis, Russ, KD, James Harden, Kawhi (Leonard), Steph, all of us who came in a minute ago."
"It's always an honor and a pleasure to go against some of the greats," he said.
"I turned the ball over. Giannis made a great play by getting his arm and tipping it from behind. Can't turn the ball over, obviously," LeBron said about Giannis' defensive effort on the finals plays.
Giannis vs. LeBron History
The two future Hall of Famers split their season series in 2022-23, 1-1. In 2023-24 and 2024-25, LeBron missed both games each season against the Bucks.
In all-time matchups between the two, LeBron is 17-7. As a member of the Lakers, LeBron is 3-4 against Giannis.
In the 24 games against each other, LeBron is averaging 27.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.5 assists while shooting 57% from the field and 43% from three to go along with 1.2 steals and 0.5 blocks. On the other side of the coin, Giannis is averaging 24.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists while shooting 62% from the field and 35% from three with one steal and 1.5 blocks.
LeBron, while a member of the Miami Heat and then the Cleveland Cavaliers, won eight of the first nine matchups and 13 of the first 14.
The Next Meeting?
Unfortunately for fans, LeBron and Giannis won't meet again unless both teams find themselves in the NBA Finals.
LeBron has given no indication that he will retire at the end of the season, but Friday's meeting in Los Angeles could be the last time fans will get to see the two legends battle on the court.
After the game, Giannis revealed that he got LeBron's jersey.