Things did not go the Milwaukee Bucks‘ way on Saturday night, as they suffered a blowout 119-95 loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers. However, that didn’t stop superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo from proving that he’s a class act with a heartwarming gesture after the game.
Even though the Bucks did not win, Antetokounmpo continued his blistering hot start to the season by scoring 32 points, hauling in 10 rebounds, and dishing out five assists in this one. It was his actions after the game, though, that caught the most attention from fans, thanks in large part to a clip that quickly went viral on social media.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Heartwarming Gesture After Bucks’ Loss to Lakers
For much of the past few years, Antetokounmpo has found himself the subject of speculation regarding his future with the Bucks. A couple of cryptic comments before the start of the season only added more fuel to an already lit flame, and some folks believe that this could end up being his final season in Milwaukee.
The Bucks’ early success may change those plans, though. While they just lost to the Lakers, they still have an 8-6 record through 14 games, and there are signs that indicate this team could be a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. Even with all the rumors swirling around him, Antetokounmpo is playing some of the best basketball of his career, as he’s averaging 32.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game while shooting 63% from the field.
The Bucks struggled to keep pace with the Lakers on Saturday, though, which led to the benches being cleared out in the fourth quarter. For Los Angeles, second-round rookie Adou Thiero made his NBA debut, and he ended up scoring the first points of his career. However, referees wouldn’t let his Lakers teammates take the game ball as a gift for him after the contest ended. That changed when Antetokounmpo stepped in and took control of the situation.
“Giannis secured the game ball for Lakers rookie Adou Thiero after scoring his first NBA points,” the team shared in a post on X after the final buzzer sounded.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks Looking to Move Past Ugly Loss
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 26: Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on October 26, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bucks 118-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Why the officials wouldn’t let the Lakers keep the ball is unknown, but it seemed like Thiero wasn’t going to get a memento from his NBA debut. Antetokounmpo noticed what was going on, and he ended up finding a way to track down the ball and take it, quickly giving it to Los Angeles so that it could be distributed to Thiero.
Some things are bigger than the game of basketball, and it was heartwarming to see Antetokounmpo step in and ensure that Thiero would receive this ball. On the court, though, it’s clear Milwaukee has some things to sort out if it intends to get back in the win column. The Bucks will return to action on Monday night, where a tough matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers looms.
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