Lakers' $5.95 million Rookie Salutes Giannis Antetokounmpo's Classy Move After Referees Deny Him Game Ball

LA Lakers rookie Adou Thiero received the game ball on Saturday with help from Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Thiero’s teammates, led by Luka Doncic and Jarred Vanderbilt, wanted to secure the ball for him but were denied by the referees. After seeing the commotion, Antetokounmpo approached the NBA official holding the ball, took it away and gave it to Doncic.

On Sunday, Thiero, who signed a three-year, $5.9 million contract in July, posted on Instagram Antetokounmpo’s comments about the viral incident. The rookie added a salute and handshake emoji to show his appreciation for the two-time MVP.

"🫡🤝," he wrote.

In a postgame chat with the media, Giannis Antetokounmpo gave his thoughts on the stalemate between the Lakers and game officials:

“I didn't understand what was going on. 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."

Adou Thiero played his first game for the Lakers this season in the showdown against the Bucks. As his team comfortably cruised to the win, JJ Redick inserted him late to close the game. Thiero’s first points came from two free throws.

After the Bucks committed an error, Thiero raced to the other end to lead a transition attack. Bronny James, who stole an errant pass, found Thiero for an emphatic slam. The Lakers' bench erupted in cheers after the rookie scored.

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Luka Doncic also appreciated Giannis Antetokounmpo for giving ball to Lakers

Adou Thiero wasn’t the only Laker who appreciated Giannis Antetokounmpo’s gesture. Luka Doncic commented during a courtside postgame interview about the incident:

“The ref wouldn’t give us the ball, so Giannis (Antetokounmpo) took it and gave it to us. Respect to him.”

Antetokounmpo was frustrated following the blowout loss to a road-weary team. Still, the Greek Freak had the initiative to give Adou Thiero an important memorabilia.