LeBron James joining the Los Angeles Lakers isn’t necessarily a surprise to anyone reading the proverbial tea leaves around the NBA for the last few seasons, but that he actually pulled the trigger on the move into the Western Conference and in direct competition with the Golden State Warriors is still a bit surprising to some.
You can certainly count Giannis Antetokounmpo in that group. The Milwaukee Bucks star said surprise and a bit of relief all played out when he learned the news that James would sign with the Lakers on Sunday night. The Greek Freak said he was “shocked” that James decided to leave Cleveland, and even quoted ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith when giving his reaction to the movie.
Antetokounmpo was asked about the move at a 2K Sports event in his hometown of Athens, Greece, where it was revealed he’d grace the cover of NBA 2K 19. James happens to be on cover of the game’s anniversary edition, so Antetokounmpo was asked how he felt about LeBron heading to Los Angeles.
“I will respond to you like Stephen A. Smith: I was SHOCKED. I was shocked,” Antetokounmpo said. “But he thought about his move real well, thought it was going to be a big move for his family and his future and he did it. He committed to it and I wish him the best.”
It seems like Antetokounmpo is kidding a bit here and simply wanted to quote Stephen A., but it’s a pretty measured response from him about a move that impacts the rest of the league in a huge way. And smartly, Giannis pointed out that a move to the West means he doesn’t have to see him on the court as often, either.
“I’m kind of happy I’m going to play him twice and not four (times),” he said.
Whether the East is now his for the taking, however, is another story. But seeing LeBron less definitely makes for an easier time for the Bucks.
