Sent off in the final moments! Doncic’s crucial three-point foul, LeBron’s near triple-double goes in vain as Bucks narrowly defeat Lakers

On January 10th, Beijing time, during the NBA regular season, the Bucks secured a tight 105-101 victory over the Lakers away from home.

Lakers’ LeBron James scored 26 points with 9 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals; Doncic posted 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists; LaRavia contributed 13 points. Bucks’ Porter had 22 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals; Antetokounmpo added 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks; Kuzma scored 13 points; Portis grabbed 11 points and 12 rebounds; AJ Green put up 11 points; Rollins added 10 points and 6 rebounds.

In the first quarter, both teams battled intensely. Doncic was in great rhythm, hitting two consecutive three-pointers; Ayton and LeBron also dominated with powerful dunks. The Bucks countered with team-oriented play, with AJ Green shining from beyond the arc, leading Milwaukee to a 16-15 advantage. The Doncic-LeBron connection remained strong, combining for 11 points in the quarter. Although Antetokounmpo was quiet early with only 4 points, the Bucks stayed close, and the Lakers ended the quarter ahead 25-24.

In the second quarter, Kuzma emerged as a key player, attacking the basket effectively. Harris, Portis, and Kuzma then hit several threes off excellent ball movement, energizing the Bucks who took a 52-42 lead. Antetokounmpo then took control, scoring on three consecutive plays, helping Milwaukee maintain a 61-52 lead at halftime. LeBron and Doncic combined for 23 points, but the Lakers’ supporting cast struggled, with no other players scoring in double digits.

During the third quarter, the Lakers’ role players finally stepped up. Smart and LaRavia hit back-to-back threes to stop the bleeding, cutting the deficit to 4 points. At a critical moment, Antetokounmpo once again rose to the occasion; neither Ayton nor Smart could contain him inside. Under his dominant rim presence, the Lakers’ defense was stretched thin, allowing Trent, Turner, and Porter to knock down consecutive threes. The Bucks held off the Lakers’ rally, finishing the quarter with an 86-77 lead.

In the final quarter, LeBron showed his offensive versatility, scoring 5 points through long-range shots and drives. He also assisted Knect, who had already recorded a double-double. Then LeBron dazzled with a fadeaway jumper, single-handedly bringing the Lakers back to a 90-90 tie. The teams exchanged scores, tying again at 98. At a crucial moment, Turner hit a three, but LaRavia quickly responded from outside, leveling the game once more. LeBron’s driving layup was blocked by Antetokounmpo. In a key moment, Doncic committed a three-point foul and was fouled out with six personal fouls. Porter made 2 of 3 free throws, putting the Bucks ahead 103-101. Later, LeBron was stripped by Antetokounmpo, forcing the Lakers into a tactical foul. After Porter made both free throws, the Bucks led by 4 points, sealing the game. Milwaukee fought hard to claim the win.

Starting Lineups

Lakers: LeBron James, LaRavia, Ayton, Smart, Doncic

Bucks: AJ Green, Antetokounmpo, Turner, Porter, Rollins