During the Milwaukee Bucks’ opening preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, Giannis Antetokounmpo gave a small preview of what to expect from his relationship with Damian Lillard.

In his debut game in green, the now-former Portland Trail Blazer scored 14 points, trailing only Giannis, who took home the MVP award in the 2021 NBA Finals. When Lillard grabbed the ball from Christian Wood and found the Greek power forward for his first assist as a Buck, it was the beginning of their journey together.

The Bucks defeated the Lakers 108-97, with Giannis scoring 16 points, pulling down eight rebounds, and dishing out one assist. Damian Lillard chipped in with 14 points, two rebounds, and three assists, letting the 28-year-old know he had a star on his team now.

“I’ll be very honest,” Antetokounmpo declared to the press. “I’ve never been this transparent.” First of all, from the very first possession of the game, I have never witnessed anyone being double-teamed.

It seems to be a miniature replica of who I am. An armored variant. Silent. carries on with his work. looks after his family. turns up. practices a great deal. supports his teammates by speaking up when necessary. And he’s just a killer when the game starts.”

Lillard gives Giannis a compliment.

The 33-year-old point guard, who was born in Oakland and is a seven-time NBA All-Star, has played with many players during his NBA career. However, he was full of praise for Giannis.

Lillard told the media, “He can win you a game and dominate one.” “They blitz me and trap me in the first couple of plays, and Giannis is the guy I’m passing the ball to.” I mean, I’m just like, ‘Uh, we can do this all night.'”

“We’re going to have a lot of options,” he continued. As we witnessed today, there will be occasions when he is willing to play to me and vice versa.