Lakers (9–4) at Bucks (8–5) | Game 14 of 82
Where to Watch and What Time
📅 Date: Saturday, Nov. 15
⏰ Tip-off: 5:00 p.m. PST
📍 Location: Fiserv Forum — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
📺 TV: NBA TV, Spectrum SportsNet
📻 Radio: ESPN LA 710 / 1330 KWKW
Game Preview
The Lakers head to Milwaukee for their second night of back-to-back matchups against the Bucks on Saturday, wrapping up a five-game road trip that they are currently 2-2 in.
The Lakers improved their record to 8-4 following a bounce-back NBA Cup win against New Orleans on Friday, making them 2-0 in Cup games. They sit in first place in West Group B and second among the West leaders.
With Luka Dončić coming off his two lowest scoring totals this season—19 against OKC and 24 vs. NOP—coach JJ Redick said they have to do a better job at feeding him the ball.
"The last two games they've had all NBA defenders on him," Redick said. "We have to do a better job at getting the ball to him at the right spots... We'll continue to work on that.
The Bucks, who are coming in on the second night of a back-to-back, will be coming into the game with a little more miles on their feet following a high-scoring overtime win over Charlotte on Friday.
After a 4-1 start to the season, Milwaukee has gone 4-4 since, sitting with an 8-5 record for fifth in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks will be the Lakers' fourth Eastern Conference opponent this season, as L.A. is 2-1 against the East.
The Opponents' Leaders
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be an all-NBA MVP-level player for Milwaukee, leading the Bucks in points, rebounds and assists. He leads the NBA in scoring at 32.6 points a contest, with 11.5 rebounds and 7.3 assists.
Four-year guard Ryan Rollins is the Bucks' second leading scorer, notching 17.5 points on 47.8% shooting from 3 in 13 games (12 starts).
Injury Report
Lakers:
The Lakers added Rui Hachimura to the injury report, listing him as out for their matchup due to soreness in his left calf. Marcus Smart was also added with a viral illness that has him questionable to play. It could be a game-time decision for him.
LeBron James is nearing a return from his sciatica injury, with Redick confirming he had five-on-five drills with the South Bay Lakers and one-on-one drills. James also made a post on Thursday with the hourglass emoji, a hint that his return is close.
Don't be surprised if he makes his return in L.A.'s next home game on Tuesday.
#Lakers injury report in MIL today:
— Carlos Yakimowich (@CarlosYakJr) November 15, 2025
Rui Hachimura (calf) is OUT and Marcus Smart (illness) is QUESTIONABLE.#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/cw6XO84Dm2
LeBron James (sciatica): Out
Gabe Vincent (knee): Out
Rui Hachimura (calf): Out
Marcus Smart (illness): Questionable
Bucks:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (left knee patellar tendinopathy): Probable
Taurean Prince (Neck Surgery): Out
Alex Antetokounmpo (G League - Two-Way): Out
Pete Nance (G League - Two-Way): Out
Kevin Porter Jr. (Right Knee Meniscus Surgery): Out
What to Watch
Dončić's Shooting Slump:
Dončić has been in a bit of a shooting slump in the last two games, posting 26% (four of 15) from 3 and 36% (13-for-36) from the field in that span. For the Lakers to come out with a W, the Lakers will need a masterful MVP performance from him.
The Difficult Greek Freak Task:
Preparing and covering Antetokounmpo is going to be a difficult task for L.A.'s defense. And he's been even better at home this season, averaging 35 points at the Fiserv Forum.
Threads for the Game
The Lakers will rock their purple Statement Edition threads on the road, while the Bucks will wear their white Association unis.
Next Matchup
The Lakers will head back home for their next game, facing the Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, and then have a four-day break. They will still play the Jazz again in the following contest, but in Utah on Sunday, Nov. 23.