LOS ANGELES – The Milwaukee Bucks capitalized on the injury-depleted Los Angeles Lakers, achieving a dominant 118-89 victory on March 20, 2025. This win was crucial for a Bucks team looking to gain momentum after a tough stretch of games, while the Lakers struggled to maintain their place in the competitive Western Conference.
In the lead-up to the game, the Lakers faced a daunting list of absences. Star players LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves were sidelined due to injuries, adding to the pressure as this marked their sixth game in eight days. With the roster stretched thin, they were without some of their key offensive threats, resulting in a challenging matchup against the Bucks.
The Bucks also faced their own hurdles as they went into the contest without their all-star point guard Damian Lillard, ruled out due to calf soreness. Lillard, who has been averaging 24.9 points per game, has been dealing with injuries throughout the season, previously missing games in December due to a calf strain. "I just know it popped up and, you know, didn’t do shoot-around today, and so we just keep moving on,” said Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, reflecting on Lillard's setback.
Despite Lillard's absence, the Bucks took control early, fueling their offense through Giannis Antetokounmpo. He showcased a stellar performance, leading the team with 28 points while playing aggressively in the paint. Antetokounmpo’s strong play was complemented by Gary Trent Jr., who exploded off the bench for 23 points, including six three-pointers. Their scoring contributed significantly to a 23-point lead the Bucks established in the first half.
The Lakers, on the other hand, found themselves in a desperate fight to keep pace as they struggled to find their rhythm offensively. They shot only 38.1% in the first half, while the Bucks took advantage of their defensive lapses. Rookie guard Bronny James Jr. shone brightly for the Lakers, scoring 17 points, but even he could not spark his team to significant impact beyond efforts to chip away at the deficit.
Milwaukee's early dominance clearly set the tone for the game, as they outscored the Lakers by a staggering margin in the first quarter and continued to extend their lead. The Bucks eventually entered the halftime break with an 11-point lead, despite a brief but notable run from the Lakers that nearly brought them back within reach.
As the game progressed, the Bucks’ lead swelled, with their third-quarter performance showcasing the gap in talent available to both teams. The Lakers only managed to trail by 22 points entering the final quarter, facing an uphill battle to climb back into contention against the fully-functioning Bucks. Staring at a daunting deficit, they could not secure the necessary turnovers to swing momentum their way.
The Bucks emerged from the final quarter, with the game already decided, showcasing their depth and resilience in the face of Lillard’s absence. Brook Lopez made his contributions felt with 11 points and seven rebounds, emphasizing the importance of player rotations in overcoming injuries.
Reflecting on their accomplishments, the Bucks improved their record to 39-30, regaining momentum at a pivotal part of the season. For the Lakers, this defeat marked yet another challenge in a grueling schedule. They were left to ponder their next moves against the Chicago Bulls in the coming days as they look to quickly recover from their current injury woes. On the scoreboard, Bronny James stood as the only significant highlight for a team searching for a silver lining.
The game showcased the ongoing battle every team faces regarding athlete availability, particularly in the NBA landscape where the schedule can become overwhelming. With the Bucks stepping up in crucial moments and the Lakers grappling with injuries, both trails have their work cut out for them as they advance in the season.
