LA Lakers rookie Adou Thiero obtained the sport ball on Saturday with assist from Milwaukee Bucks celebrity Giannis Antetokounmpo. Thiero’s teammates, led by Luka Doncic and Jarred Vanderbilt, needed to safe the ball for him however have been denied by the referees. After seeing the commotion, Antetokounmpo approached the NBA official holding the ball, took it away and gave it to Doncic.
On Sunday, Thiero, who signed a three-year, $5.9 million contract in July, posted on Instagram Antetokounmpo’s feedback in regards to the viral incident. The rookie added a salute and handshake emoji to indicate his appreciation for the two-time MVP.
![LA Lakers rookie Adou Thiero salutes Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo for giving him the game ball for his first NBA basket. [photo: @adou_thiero]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/11/b8d98-17633519058927-1920.jpg?w=190)
•
![]()
In a postgame chat with the media, Giannis Antetokounmpo gave his ideas on the stalemate between the Lakers and recreation officers:
“I did not perceive what was occurring. I requested Thanasis [Antetokounmpo] and he informed me what was occurring. He was like, ‘They don’t seem to be giving the ball to the rookie. I do not know why.’
“I do not know why they wasn’t giving him the ball. I simply went, grabbed the ball and gave it to the crew.”
Adou Thiero performed his first recreation for the Lakers this season within the showdown in opposition to the Bucks. As his crew comfortably cruised to the win, JJ Redick inserted him late to shut the sport. Thiero’s first factors got here from two free throws.
After the Bucks dedicated an error, Thiero raced to the opposite finish to steer a transition assault. Bronny James, who stole an errant move, discovered Thiero for an emphatic slam. The Lakers’ bench erupted in cheers after the rookie scored.
Luka Doncic additionally appreciated Giannis Antetokounmpo for giving ball to Lakers
Adou Thiero wasn’t the one Laker who appreciated Giannis Antetokounmpo’s shocking gesture. Luka Doncic commented throughout a courtside postgame interview in regards to the incident:
“The ref wouldn’t give us the ball, so Giannis [Antetokounmpo] took it and gave it to us. Respect to him.”
Antetokounmpo was annoyed following the blowout loss to a road-weary crew. Nonetheless, the Greek Freak had the initiative to offer Adou Thiero an necessary memorabilia.
Edited by Michael Macasero