"Giannis to LA For Gabe and Kleber": Giannis Antetokounmpo Wins Lakers Fans Over For Securing Rookie Adou Thiero's Game Ball 

Giannis Antetokounmpo won Lakers fans' hearts after helping the team get the game ball for rookie Adou Thiero, who scored his first points. LA's veterans, including Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Jake LaRavia and Luka Doncic, went back-and-forth with the refs over it after they took the ball away.

It's been a tradition among locker rooms to give rookies a game ball for their first NBA points, but the refs didn't cooperate, which could have sparked a controversy. However, after the Lakers nearly gave up, Antetokounmpo stepped in and took the ball away from a Bucks staffer, giving it to Luka Doncic. He did that despite Milwaukee losing 119-95, keeping his ego aside.

Here's the whole incident (via Lakers All Day Everyday):

The gesture left a lasting impact on Lakers fans regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo. They poured in heartfelt reactions for the two-time MVP and joked about joining the Lakers.

Here are the best reactions:

RDV413

@rdv413_v2

giannis to la for gabe and kleber, who says no 😂

bardo

@24_bardo

He’s a Laker. Giannis coming home

STΞY

@_CBLOC_

Already looking out for his future teammates 😂

Rajanikant Soni

@rajani1203

Giannis didn’t just secure a ball — he secured respect. 💯🔥”

Eshani Verma

@eshaniverma809

That small moment probably meant the world to the kid. Pure class from a real one

iammarcus

@77imlab

That’s all LOVE & RESPECT right there!! Thank You Giannis, annnndd you are welcomed to come to the LAKERS next year homie. #LakeShow

Some even remembered the viral December 2023 incident when Giannis Antetokounmpo was denied the game ball by the Pacers and refs after a career-high 64 points against the Pacers.

Antetokounmpo got into a heated altercation with several officials and Pacers players over the incident after Indiana wanted the game ball for then-rookie Oscar Tshiebwe after he scored his first points.

Hoop Central

@TheHoopCentral

The Pacers took the game ball after Giannis' 64-point career-high Giannis attempted to retrieve the ball (via @ChrisBHaynes)

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Adou Thiero, his dad Almamy and Giannis Antetokounmpo react to game ball incident after Lakers-Bucks

Adou Thiero had an explosive debut, which ended in a blowout win for the Lakers. The second round pick, who finally got on the court after missing the first 13 games recovering from a knee injury, finished his first outing with four points and a rebound in 4:41 minutes.

He was 2 of 2 from the free throw line, where he scored his first points. Thiero added to his total with a thunderous two-handed dunk in transition.

As LA's only rookie this year, the veterans tried their best to get him the ball, and he thanked the locker room for it. Here's what Thiero said after the game:

"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."

Oh No He Didn't

@ohnohedidnt24

Adou Thiero on his teammates getting the game ball for him: "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"

Meanwhile, Thiero's dad, Almamy, thanked Antetokounmpo with a tweet.

Almamy Thiero

@ThieroAlmamy

Thanks Giannis

Giannis Antetokounmpo also addressed the incident and was unsure why the refs stepped in. He said he was unaware of it at first, but after he asked his brother, Thanasis, the Bucks star didn't waste time getting involved.