Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James (Photo by Imagn Images)

Giannis Antetokounmpo Gets LeBron James’ Jersey in Emotional Exchange After Long-Awaited Matchup

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Heena Singh | Last updated Jan 10, 2026 4:54 PM ET

Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James don’t share the floor often anymore, and that reality hung in the air Friday night. Big stage. Tight game. Even bigger respect. When the buzzer finally sounded, the moment everyone felt coming finally arrived.

Nearly four years after their last regular-season meeting, Antetokounmpo and James went head-to-head again. The Bucks pulled out a 105-101 win, and Antetokounmpo was everywhere when it mattered most. Defensive stops, late steal, statement finish. Milwaukee walked away with the result. Antetokounmpo walked away with something even more personal.

That’s where the night truly turned. Reported Friday, January 9, following postgame interviews, Antetokounmpo asked James, who gave a telling response after the game, for his jersey after the game, something he’d been holding onto for years. The exchange came moments after the final horn.

“I got his jersey tonight.”

“I got his jersey tonight.”

Giannis has the utmost respect for LeBron. pic.twitter.com/woRFIJe1vD
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 10, 2026

Antetokounmpo later called James a blueprint for athletes and admitted the moment hit harder knowing it could be their last matchup. James echoed the respect, praising Antetokounmpo as one of the game’s greats.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Late Block and Steal on LeBron James

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image Credits: Imagn)

Antetokounmpo slammed the door on James late, delivering a clutch block and a game-sealing steal in the final minute to lift the Bucks past the Lakers 105-101 on Friday night. With the game tied and under 40 seconds left, Antetokounmpo erased James at the rim, then stripped him again with 1.5 seconds remaining.

Kevin Porter Jr. iced it with four free throws. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 21 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks. LeBron James led all scorers with 26 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists. The loss snapped the Lakers’ perfect record in clutch games this season. However, the jersey moment was adorable and made up for it.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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