Fans posit LeBron James is scared of facing Giannis in a preseason match

The Los Angeles Lakers got their first win of the preseason after beating the Milwaukee Bucks on the road, 107-102, on Thursday.

The Lakers, who snapped their two-game skid, were led by forward Rui Hachimura with 14 points, five rebounds and two steals. Rookie Dalton Knecht chipped in 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists, continuing his solid showing in the preseason.

Superstar LeBron James, who didn't hide his frustration about meeting the Bucks, added 11 points, six rebounds, and three assists.

Before the game, he wondered X why they had to fly out to Milwaukee for a single preseason game.

This became fuel for fans to roast the 39-year-old James when he was rejected by Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo during a fastbreak in the second quarter.

"We know why LeBron James doesn’t wanna come to Milwaukee," said an Antetokounmpo fan page.

"Now we know why LeBron has been ducking Giannis the past few years," added another fan.

"Taste of his own medicine," tweeted an X user.

"Giannis just owned LeBron again," tweeted another fan.

"Bron telling his PR team to flag this as a goal tend post-game!" joked an X user.

Giannis, making his preseason debut after missing the previous game, quickly set the tone for the night. While the crowd anticipated high-level play from both teams, no one expected the jaw-dropping moment that would soon unfold. The Greek Freak, known for his defensive prowess, reminded everyone why he's a two-time MVP.

The defining moment came in the first half when LeBron James, in typical fashion, drove to the basket for what seemed like an easy layup. Giannis had other plans. In a stunning display of timing and athleticism, Antetokounmpo rose to meet LeBron at the rim, delivering a monstrous block that sent the ball flying. Social media exploded almost immediately, with clips of the block going viral, fans and analysts alike marvelling at the display of defensive brilliance.

Despite the highlight of the night, both Giannis and Damian Lillard were benched for the remainder of the game after the first half. NBA reporter Chris Haynes confirmed the decision, citing preseason protocols aimed at limiting the stars' minutes to avoid injury. Their brief appearances, however, left a lasting impression.

In just 20 minutes of play, Giannis proved his dominance, finishing with 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks while shooting an efficient 10-for-18 from the field. His block on LeBron may have stolen the spotlight, but his overall performance sent a clear message - Giannis is ready for the season ahead.

For Bucks fans, the anticipation for the regular season is building, and with moments like this, it's easy to see why they believe this team has championship potential.