Giannis Antetokounmpo: “LeBron Is Different”

Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has said he aspires to the longevity of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James will face off Thursday night when the Lakers travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks.

At 24 – 4, the Bucks and the Lakers are tied for the NBA’s best record. The match is a potential NBA Finals warmup, and Giannis Antetokounmpo knows it.

“The Lakers are one of the best teams in the league,” Antetokounmpo said on Wednesday. 

“It’s going to be a test for us. […] But as long as we have the mindset to get better, we will be fine.”

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In his 7th NBA season, the 25-year-old Giannis is averaging career highs for points (31.7) and rebounds (12.8). As well as that, he’s averaging 5.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks in 31.2 minutes a night.

He still has room for improvement, and he is yet to reach the heights that LeBron, currently playing his 17th season, has.

James, a four-time MVP, is also averaging a career high this year, for assists with 10.6. He’s also shooting a career-high amount of three pointers, with 6.2 per game. As well as that, he has 25.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals in Los Angeles’ top 5 offense. 

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“For me, that’s one of my goals … to be able to play at a high level for the next 10 years,” Giannis said.

“But [LeBron’s] about to turn 35 this month and he’s moving like that, playing like that, playing smart … it’s insane what he’s able to do.

“But he’s LeBron James, you know. He’s different, he’s an alien, so … you expect it from him.”