Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard Set to Debut Together Against Lakers

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard Set to Face Lakers

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard will be taking the court on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Crypto.com Arena, as announced by Milwaukee Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin.

Both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard sat out the team’s first two preseason games, but they are now gearing up for a star-studded matchup against the Lakers’ dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

Excitement Surrounding the Debut

“We are eager to see them in live competitive play,” Griffin stated during an interview on NBA Today. “It’s an exhilarating time for us, but we understand that it’s a process and we’re taking it one step at a time.”

The Bucks recently acquired Damian Lillard in a successful trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, just a week before the start of training camp. However, the team has yet to showcase their star players during the preseason.

Khris Middleton, who was limited to 33 games last season due to injuries but signed a new three-year contract during the offseason, has not participated fully in practices and has yet to make an appearance in the preseason. Griffin did not provide any updates on Middleton’s status for Sunday’s game.

A New Era for Milwaukee

Although they have not played together in official games, both Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, and Damian Lillard, a nine-time All-NBA player, have been practicing together. This marks the first time in their respective careers that they will be sharing the court with another superstar, a partnership that has generated immense excitement in Milwaukee. However, Griffin acknowledges that there may be a learning curve as they adjust to playing alongside each other.

“Our practices have been extremely competitive, allowing them to get a feel for one another,” Griffin explained. “They have not disappointed us. The more they play together, the better they will become.”