Despite being on their home turf, the Lakers had a bad day at Crypto.com Arena against the Bucks. Or should we say the upgraded Bucks? Facing the Lakers for the first time after the blockbuster Lillard trade, expectations were sky-high, on both ends. While we have Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, Lakers fans were on the lookout for big man Christian Wood.

One of the intelligent moves on coach Ham’s part, Wood’s arrival to the Lakers shows L.A.’s well-planned vision. They upgraded the team while keeping its core intact to land that 18th title. But it’s not going to be an easy ride, especially with players like Giannis in the way.

Christian Wood’s reply says all about the man behind the player

Jabs and taunts between players and teams are very common in any sport. But Giannis Antetokounmpo has taken it to a whole new level with his latest post. Reposted by NBA on ESPN (Instagram), the image showcases a comment saying, “Giannis blocked Wood then tagged him. He really not playing fair this season.” Clearly not.

Trending

Draymond Green Drops Harsh Criticism on Jalen Brunson, Suggests the Only Way Knicks Can Salvage Playoff Series vs 76ers

May 02, 2024 03:22 PM EDT

“It Will Ruin the Game”: Citing Caitlin Clark’s Example, Geno Auriemma Warns WNBA

April 27, 2024 03:31 PM EDT

WNBA’s Sad Policy Begins Haunting Rookie Caitlin Clark in Dallas: “Liberty Were Fined $500K…”

May 03, 2024 04:06 AM EDT

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT

Savannah James Will Not Let 9YO Zhuri Follow Women’s Fashion Liberation: “Only So Far I Would Go”

April 30, 2024 06:06 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Wood’s reply to the comment shows his maturity. “I love it I’ll see him during the season just circled the game on my calendar.” While many have commented on the good-natured bromance between the two, the post certainly raises a few red flags about the relationship.

While Wood made it known that playing with L.A. was his dream, this merge also was a cause of celebration for Davis. With Christian as a center, Davis will have the support he always wanted and also get to play as a power forward. Rob Pelinka and Darvin Ham are on a warpath to get another title after success in 2020. But who will they have to defeat or at least maim to reach their goal?

Giannis is known for his outspokenness. He isn’t the kind to withhold the truth for fear of it smacking hard on your head. Apparently, he extends that courtesy to everyone. Unfortunately, the preseason matchup provided enough incentive for the 28-year-old NBA champion to rub it in.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and co. have a smooth sail in the preseason matchup against the Lakers

LeBron sat out of this game, but Davis stepped up to the occasion. He played 19 minutes (1st half) and scored 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. On the defensive end, he added 2 steals and 2 blocked shots against the Bucks.

After Attempting to Lure Major Contract From Saudi Arabia, Giannis Antetokounmpo Shows His Frugality While Endorsing a $165,370,000,000 Worth Company: “It’s Free…”

The Lakers had managed to take the first-quarter lead, but since then, it was a downhill ride. One reason could be that Coach Ham did not use any of the regulars after halftime. Christian Wood, Max Christie, Jaxson Hayes, Scottie Pippen Jr. and Cam Reddish started the third quarter. Though they tried to make a late run, the team lost 108-97.

Watch This Story: Thrashing Lebron James’ Lakers in First Outing With Damian Lillard, Excited Giannis Antetokounmpo Sends a Stern Warning to the League

On the flip side, it allowed Ham to jot down areas of improvement and also provided the golden opportunity to see Davis step up to assume leadership. If LeBron retires or moves elsewhere, Anthony Davis will have huge shoes to fill. So why not go for a trial run?