Confusion ensues after Lakers rookie Adou Thiero tries to leave with game ball. Giannis steps in
Giannis, Ryan Rollins and Doc Rivers speak on Bucks’ loss to Lakers
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ryan Rollins and Doc Rivers speak on the Bucks’ loss to Lakers on Nov. 15, 2025 at Fiserv Forum.
After the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Milwaukee Bucks, 119-95, on Nov. 15, Lakers rookie Adou Thiero tried to leave the court with the game ball as he scored his first NBA points.
But the game officials would not let him take it — the Lakers said the referees told them it was not their ball to give — creating confusion among Thiero’s Los Angeles teammates. Luka Dončić was part of the group asking for it when Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo silently strode over, took the ball and handed it to Dončić.
“I didn’t understand what was going on,” Antetokounmpo said. “I asked Thanasis [Antetokounmpo] and he told me what was going on, he was like ‘they’re not giving the ball to the rookie. I don’t know why.’
“I don’t know why they wasn’t giving him the ball. I just went, grabbed the ball and gave it to the team.”
Per the Lakers television broadcast, Thiero said, “At first I didn’t even realize it was all for me, but I’m very thankful for this team and I think that shows how connected we are and how much we want each other to succeed as a team.”
Antetokounmpo was involved in a far more contentious game ball situation on Dec. 14, 2023, after he scored a franchise record 64 points vs. the Indiana Pacers.
The Pacers wanted to give one of the game balls to a rookie who scored his first points, and Antetokounmpo raced off the court toward the visitor’s locker room to retrieve it.
Later it was determined Bucks security actually had the ball.
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