LeBron James dominated the reigning back-to-back MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo once again on Thursday when the Los Angeles Lakers visited the Milwaukee Bucks. The defending champions bounced back from a disappointing home loss against the Golden State Warriors on Monday with a resounding 113-106 win over the Bucks who, in turn, dropped their second straight loss. James exploded for 34 points, six rebounds, and eight assists to lead the way for the Purple & Gold.
James winning over Giannis isn't anything new, though. Per ESPN Stats & Info, the four-time champion now has a 16-5 record over Antetokounmpo. After Thursday's win, James' .762 win percentage gives him the third-best winning record by one MVP over another.
The 36-year old James, a four-time MVP in his own right, appears to have the upper hand in terms of his one-on-one match-up against Giannis. Antetokounmpo managed to grab his back-to-back MVP award last year by edging out James in the 2019-20 MVP race but it was James who had the last laugh as he alongside Anthony Davis were the ones lifting the Larry O'Brien trophy at the end of the season.
The reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year still has a long way to go if he wants to be considered one of the GOATs. He is 10 years younger than James meaning he still has a lot left in his tank and still has yet to reach his peak. Though Giannis is slowly inching his way to be the best player in the league while leading his team to success, the crown is still with The King and his Lakers. And it's looking to stay with LeBron until someone finally grabs it.
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