Dec 2, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) exchange hugs after the Los Angeles Lakers 133-129 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
According to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, he does not emulate his game to any player. He is his own player who’s blazed his own path in the league — one that, among other things, has led to an NBA championship.
This doesn’t mean, however, that Giannis does not admire the greats that have come before him. In fact, by his own admission, there is one current-day player whom Antetokounmpo very much looks up to. That man is LeBron James.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Admires LeBron James
March 6, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Milwaukee forward Giannis (34) controls the ball against Los Angeles forward LeBron (23) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports (NBA News)
In a recent sit-down with Bally Sports Wisconsin, Giannis was asked all sorts of questions that aimed to shed more light on the type of player and person that he is. When asked if he could compare his game to any player past or present, Antetokounmpo responded by saying that he doesn’t emulate his game after anyone.
Giannis, however, gave a list of all-time greats who he considers to be his idols. One of them was Los Angeles Lakers talisman LeBron James:
“People that I look up to, it’s for sure Hakeem (Olajuwon), Magic (Johnson), [Kevin Garnett], Kobe (Bryant), LeBron, obviously. Everybody grew up a LeBron fan,” Giannis said.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s gameday routine: Pasta. Chicken. 3-hour nap.
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Giannis has had his fair share of battles with LeBron James on the court through the years, and there’s going to be more to come in the near future.
There’s no denying that these are two of the top players in the game today and it’s also a fact that both will go down in history as two of the greatest to ever pick up a basketball. It’s just nice to hear Giannis giving LeBron his flowers in such a reverent manner.
As they always say, game recognize game.
March 6, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles forward LeBron (23) reacts toward Milwaukee forward Giannis (34) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports (NBA News)