Following a game where the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, a situation arose involving the game ball. Lakers rookie Jalen Thiero scored his first NBA points, including a dunk, and his teammates wanted to present him with the game ball.
Forward Jarred Vanderbilt retrieved the ball, but crew chief referee Pat Fraher intervened, taking the ball away and stating it belonged to the Bucks. Fraher also informed Vanderbilt that he would be disciplined for his actions, which Vanderbilt found perplexing given the tradition of giving game balls to players scoring their first points.
Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo witnessed this exchange and stepped in to retrieve the ball from a Bucks team attendant. Antetokounmpo then handed the ball to Lakers star D'Angelo Russell, who in turn presented it to Thiero in the locker room.
This act was met with appreciation from Lakers players, who viewed it as a demonstration of class and team connection. The incident had a more positive resolution than a similar situation nearly two years prior involving Luka Doncic and an Antetokounmpo career-high game.
Thiero expressed gratitude for the team's gesture, seeing it as a sign of their connectedness and mutual support. He had recently returned to play after undergoing knee surgery.
The Lakers secured the win despite late scratches to their starting lineup due to illness and injury, and with LeBron James still recovering from sciatica. The victory concluded their road trip with a 3-2 record, improving their overall season standing to 10-4.
Vanderbilt emphasized that Thiero deserved the game ball for his significant achievement of scoring his first NBA points, especially in a winning effort.
