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On Thursday, the LA Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks will face off in a highly-anticipated preseason meeting at the Fiserv Forum. For LA, the game will be its third of the 2024-25 preseason slate following two straight losses at home at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns.
On the flip side, the Milwaukee Bucks will be playing in their second preseason game following a loss to the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Thursday's game will, of course, also notably see LeBron James and former two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo go head-to-head for the first time this season.
The Lakers will have several players sidelined for the game, with Jarred Vanderbilt dealing with a foot injury that could sideline him for opening night. In addition, Christian Koloko is recovering from an illness, and Jordan Goodwin is still recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the preseason opener.
At the same time, Christian Wood is still recovering from an arthroscopic procedure back in early September as well.
On the flip side, the Milwaukee Bucks listed Gary Trent Jr. as day-to-day with an elbow injury alongside with Khris Middleton, who is out with an ankle injury.
LA Lakers vs Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineups and Depth Charts
Ahead of the game, here's a look at the probable starting lineups and the depth chart.
LA Lakers starting lineups & depth chart
Milwaukee Bucks starting lineup and depth charts
Looking at the 2024-25 season ahead for the LA Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks
After a run to the Western Conference finals two years ago, LeBron James and the LA Lakers were unceremoniously eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last year. Then, during the offseason, the team decided to part ways with coach Darvin Ham, ultimately landing on JJ Redick as his replacement.
The team also notably selected Dalton Knecht with the 17th pick of the draft, adding a talented young scorer to a roster in need of outside scoring threats. In addition, the Lakers also signed LeBron James to a two-year extension, while holding on to many of their key roleplayers.
The Bucks had an unceremonious end to their season as well after Giannis Antetokounmpo was forced to the sidelines, resulting in a first-round exit from the playoffs. The season also notably saw the team part ways with coach Adrian Griffin, which led to the franchise bringing in veteran coach Doc Rivers.
With Antetokounmpo fresh off an Olympic appearance for Greece, which saw The Greek Freak average 27.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 68.9% shooting, hope is high in Milwaukee for the Antetokounmpo-Lillard duo.
