Giannis Antetokounmpo has a chance to take over the throne LeBron James left after bolting for the Los Angeles Lakers. Milwaukee Bucks new addition Brook Lopez thinks the title is Antetokounmpo's to lose, as he has already put an impressive body of work over the last couple of seasons, leading the team in four of the five major statistical categories in 2017-18.

“I’m thrilled,” Lopez told Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype about his new frontcourt partner. “He is without question one of the best players in the league and the best player in the East. I mean, it’s going to be so thrilling to be on the court with him [and not going up against him].”

“The most amazing thing about Giannis is, as great of a player he is, he’s an even better teammate. You see him out there with the guys and you look at the kind of leader he’s grown into, it’s really a special thing. It’s unique.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo had early MVP aspirations, leading the league in scoring for the first couple of weeks, putting up 30-plus points per game during his opening start to the season. Now with a definite partner in the sharpshooting Khris Middleton, the two can make a push for the East's top spot at the regular season.

The Greek Freak posted career-highs in scoring (26.9 points) and rebounding (10), while dishing out 4.8 assists, along with 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game to follow a breakout 2016-17 season.

Lopez will be the piece in the middle they have missed for the past few seasons, giving them another capable 3-point shooter and a genuine shot-blocker that can help anchor the defense — all boding that much better for Antetokounmpo to start his reign as the East's next king.