Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo savored Friday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, as it might've been the last time he shared the court with LeBron James.
"It means a lot to me. I think he's a blueprint for every athlete, not just basketball athlete," Antetokounmpo told reporters, including ESPN's Jamal Collier, after the Bucks' 105-101 victory. "Being able to be consistent for 23 years. Available. Be a winner, lead by example. It's incredible. And any opportunity I have to be around greatness and compete against greatness, I will always take it. I never take it for granted.
"I have the utmost respect for him and his family and the way he's carried himself for 23 years. And as I said, I miss going against him. I think he brings the best out of me as a player and he's one of the guys that I definitely look up to on the court and off the court."
Before Friday's game, Antetokounmpo and James hadn't squared off in the regular season since 2022.
The Greek Freak, who collects jerseys from his peers, asked the Lakers superstar for one after their latest tilt.
James happily obliged, gifting Antetokounmpo a signed purple No. 23 jersey. Meanwhile, Bronny James gave a signed jersey to Antetokounmpo's brother, Thanasis.
James hasn't indicated that the 2025-26 campaign will be his final NBA season, but he's also soaking in every moment on the court.
"At this point in my career, it's always great to go against some of the greats," James said. "If it's Giannis, if it's Steph (Curry), KD, James (Harden), Russ (Westbrook). Guys that I've been either going against for a long time or played with."
