A chance to turn the road trip around
The Milwaukee Bucks‘ West Coast road trip continues as they stop in LA to face the Los Angeles Lakers. These two teams met a week ago, and Milwaukee cruised to a comfortable 126-106 victory.
Where We’re At
It has been a struggle for the Bucks, who have lost five of their last seven games. One of their lone bright spots was their victory over the (hobbled, but largely resurgent) Lakers last week. The Bucks’ offense has been the main issue in the recent run of play; in some moments, it looks like it reaches a flow state with baskets coming easy. In other moments, it’s like watching grown men try to put literal bricks through the hoop. Against the Warriors on Tuesday night, Milwaukee’s second and fourth quarter offense ultimately sunk them, stagnating at the worst possible moments with turnovers and questionable shot selection as the main culprits. Sorting those issues out has been and remains goal number one for Milwaukee.
As for the Lakers, the trade for Luka Dončić was a slam dunk regardless of what happens for the rest of the 2024–25 season. That it has (predictably) already paid off in a big way is just a nice bonus. Surprisingly, the Lakers have improved the most on the defensive side of the ball with the fourth-best defensive rating since the All-Star Break (109.1). JJ Redick has fared better than expected as a rookie head coach, and with Luka and LeBron James in tow this is a team that could be a dark horse title contender. The Lakers played last night against the Denver Nuggets, winning 120-108.
Injury Report
Giannis Antetokounmpo (patella tendinopathy) and Gary Trent Jr. (patella tendinopathy) are again listed as probable for tonight’s game with their respective ailments while Damian Lillard (groin soreness) is questionable. Jericho Sims is out after his thumb surgery. Bobby Portis continues to serve his suspension.
LeBron James, Rui Hachiumura, and Maxi Kleber were all out for the Lakers last night, although we won’t have a fresh update from LA until midday since they’re on a back-to-back. We’ll update this article when we know more.
Update: Luka Dončić will be out tonight.
Luka Dončić is out for the Lakers tonight… Let’s see if the #Bucks can take advantage… #NBASKy
— Jim Owczarski (@jimowczarski.bsky.social) 2025-03-20T17:40:31.968Z
LeBron James (left groin strain), Austin Reaves (right ankle sprain), Rui Hachimura (left patella tendinopathy), and Maxi Kleber (foot surgery) are all out, while Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle injury management) and Jarred Vanderbilt (right groin strain) are doubtful.
Player To Watch
Giannis and Dame. I couldn’t pick just one because it appears that Giannis and Dame are being tasked with being the focal points of fixing Milwaukee’s offense. Per Chris Haynes, Doc Rivers, Giannis, and Dame met after Milwaukee’s defeat to Golden State to collaborate, identify, and solve Milwaukee’s offense woes. Will this meeting be beneficial? Odds are likely no. (editor’s note: I’d be remiss if Kyle’s line didn’t make it into this preview: “Could this meeting have been an email?”)
Sources: With Bucks struggling and after dispirited loss to Warriors, Doc Rivers called a meeting with his two superstars: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Details inside #haynesbriefs
— Chris Haynes (@chrisbhaynes.bsky.social) 2025-03-19T19:51:09.577Z
How To Watch
FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 9:30 p.m. CDT.
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