Nigerian Freak scores 20 points, gifts shoe as Bucks lose to Lakers

In his preseason debut, Nigerian Freak Giannis Antetokounmpo scores 20 points, gifts shoes as Bucks lose 102-107 to the Lakers

Greek professional player of Nigerian descent Giannis Antetokounmpo was back in action for the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Milwaukee Bucks were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers 107-102 at Fiserv Forum, despite Antetokounmpo's 20 points in the first half of play in his first game there since April.

Bobby Portis Jr. contributed 23 points off the bench for the Bucks, who led 58-52 at halftime despite only having the top six players available for a portion of the game.

Off the bench, rookie AJ Johnson scored 13 points for Milwaukee still figuring out their rotation.

Anthony Davis who played in the second half finished with 11 points on 5 of 14 shots in 25 minutes as Los Angeles won its first game under new head coach JJ Redick.

LeBron James was outstanding, scoring 11 points in 16 minutes.

Giannis returns to action

The Bucks star scored 20 points on 10-of-18 shooting in about 20 minutes of action during the first half.

Along with his two assists and impressive chase-down block on LeBron James' layup attempt in the second quarter, he also grabbed seven rebounds.

It was Antetokounmpo's first game wearing a Bucks uniform since his season ended on April 9 due to an injury in his left soleus.

He came back to compete for the Greek national team during the summer competing for the country at the 2024 Olympic Games.

After the game, Antetokounmpo gifted a young fan his Nike Zoom Freak shoes.