NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking points from Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James and the Lakers are under immense pressure to make the playoffs ever since the season commenced post the All-Star break. Experts around the league are analyzing each and every game involving the King, with the looming possibility of him missing the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
In this battle against the best team of the NBA, the Lakers gave in to the Bucks' late comeback, eventually falling 131-120 before the final buzzer. This was LA's 7th loss in the previous ten games they have played, as they now find themselves 3.5 games clear of the eighth-seeded Spurs in the quest to make the playoffs.
LeBron and co. are now 30-32 (0.484) on the season after their most recent defeat.
On the other hand, the Milwaukee Bucks are soaring at an exponential pace, currently hosting a league-best 48-14(0.774) win-loss record next to their name. The King approved of Milwaukee's depth in a post-game interview:
"Everybody talks about Giannis (Antetokounmpo)," LeBron James said, "but it's the supporting cast. They've surrounded Giannis with a great cast."
With their eighth consecutive victory, the Bucks are now 23-9 on the road having lost just five games at home this season so far.
On that note, let's draw out some major talking points from this matchup.
#1 Eric Bledsoe showed why he deserves the $70M/4-year contract extension
Ever since being traded from the Phoenix Suns back in November 2017, the 29-year-old has been an integral part of the Giannis-led offence in Milwaukee. Now that the franchise is set for imminent greatness, the front-office thought it'd be best to show their long-term commitment towards their marquee point guard.
Eric Bledsoe paid back exactly how the organization would have wanted him to - by winning them a game. He scored a team-high total of 31 points on 50% shooting and played a huge part in the run that got them within striking distance of the Lakers.
Moreover, he chipped in with 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 block, all this while committing just one turnover.
"We've got a talented young team, we're growing together," said Bledsoe, "We compete for something bigger than ourselves. I just wanted to be part of it."