Bucks Edge Lakers in Close Contest
Friday, January 9, 2026, 10:30 PM ET · crypto.com Arena
Milwaukee Bucks 105, Los Angeles Lakers 101, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Lakers?
Milwaukee Bucks beat Los Angeles Lakers 105-101 at crypto.com Arena on January 9, 2026.
Who was favored in Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Lakers?
Los Angeles Lakers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup at crypto.com Arena, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 105-101, marking a significant victory for the Bucks as the series between the two teams is now tied at 1-1. The game showcased a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the contest, but the Bucks ultimately secured the win in the final moments.
The Lakers entered this game with a home record of 23-13, but they have struggled recently, going 5-5 in their last ten games and currently on a one-game losing streak. Their scoring average over those ten games was 111.6 points, while they allowed an average of 116.3 points per game. Their most recent game before facing the Bucks was a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, where they fell 91-107. In contrast, the Bucks, with an away record of 17-21, also had a mixed performance recently, recording a 5-5 record in their last ten games, but they too were on a one-game losing streak. The Bucks averaged 111.8 points scored and allowed 110.2 points during that span.
The Lakers' home performance has been slightly better than their away games, with a home record of 3-2 in their last five games. The Bucks, however, have had more success on the road, achieving a 4-3 record in their last five away games. This game was crucial for both teams, as they looked to improve their standings.
Historically, the matchup has been competitive, with the Lakers having a record of 1-2 against the Bucks in recent meetings. Earlier this season, the Bucks secured a decisive victory over the Lakers on November 16, winning 119-95. In their previous two encounters last season, the Lakers lost both games, one by a score of 89-118 and the other 106-126.
In terms of injuries, the Bucks had Kevin Porter Jr. listed as day-to-day due to a knee issue, which could have impacted their lineup and strategy. However, his performance in this game was notable, as he contributed significantly in the fourth quarter, including a series of crucial free throws that ultimately sealed the victory for Milwaukee.
The betting market, provided by DraftKings, had the Lakers favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 228.5. The odds reflected the Lakers’ home advantage, but the Bucks' performance on the court proved the odds were not a guarantee of success for the home team.
As the game progressed, the conditions on the court remained steady, with both teams displaying high energy and competitiveness. Fans watching the game would have noted the strategic plays and clutch moments, particularly in the fourth quarter, where scoring plays became pivotal. Ryan Rollins made a key free throw to bring the Bucks within two points, and Kevin Porter Jr. made a critical two-point shot to tie the game at 98-98. Myles Turner then hit a three-pointer to give the Bucks the lead, and Kevin Porter Jr. sealed the game with multiple free throws, bringing the final score to 105-101.
This matchup highlighted the intensity of the NBA season, with both teams vying for better positioning as they move forward. The Bucks will look to build on this momentum, while the Lakers will need to regroup and address their recent struggles as they prepare for their next challenge.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LAL -3.5 | 228.5 o -110 / u -110 | Milwaukee Bucks +130 · Los Angeles Lakers -155 |
Injury report
- Kevin Porter Jr.Day-To-DayKneeMilwaukee Bucks
Leaders
- PointsLeBron James26Los Angeles Lakers
- AssistsLeBron James10Los Angeles Lakers
- ReboundsLeBron James9Los Angeles Lakers
- PointsKevin Porter Jr.22Milwaukee Bucks
- AssistsKevin Porter Jr.6Milwaukee Bucks
- ReboundsBobby Portis12Milwaukee Bucks
Recent form
Los Angeles Lakers
Last 10: 5-5Streak L1111.6 scored · 116.3 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L91-107at San Antonio SpursJan 8
- W111-103at New Orleans PelicansJan 7
- W120-114vs Memphis GrizzliesJan 5
- W128-121vs Memphis GrizzliesJan 3
- L106-128vs Detroit PistonsDec 31
- W125-101vs Sacramento KingsDec 29
- L96-119vs Houston RocketsDec 26
- L108-132at Phoenix SunsDec 24
- L88-103at LA ClippersDec 21
- W143-135at Utah JazzDec 19
Milwaukee Bucks
Last 10: 5-5Streak L1111.8 scored · 110.2 allowed per game4-3 away
- L113-120at Golden State WarriorsJan 8
- W115-98at Sacramento KingsJan 5
- W122-121vs Charlotte HornetsJan 3
- L113-114vs Washington WizardsJan 1
- W123-113at Charlotte HornetsDec 30
- W112-103at Chicago BullsDec 28
- L104-125at Memphis GrizzliesDec 27
- W111-94at Indiana PacersDec 24
- L100-103at Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 22
- L105-111vs Toronto RaptorsDec 19
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
Box score
| Stat | Milwaukee Bucks | Los Angeles Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 38-79 | 39-91 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 12-34 | 15-36 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 42 |
| Free throws | 17-22 | 8-14 |
| Free throw % | 77 | 57 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 45 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 32 | 30 |
| Assists | 23 | 28 |
| Steals | 10 | 9 |
| Blocks | 3 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 20 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 50 | 46 |
| Fouls | 16 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 70 | 23 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter70-62Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter71-62Giannis Antetokounmpo makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter71-63Luka Doncic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-63Gary Trent Jr. makes 28-foot three point jumper (Giannis Antetokounmpo assists)
- 3rd Quarter74-66Luka Doncic makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter74-68Luka Doncic makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter74-69Luka Doncic makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter77-69Myles Turner makes 29-foot three point jumper (Bobby Portis assists)
- 3rd Quarter80-69Kevin Porter Jr. makes 25-foot three pointer (Kyle Kuzma assists)
- 3rd Quarter80-71Jake LaRavia makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot (Luka Doncic assists)
- 3rd Quarter82-71Kyle Kuzma makes 6-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter82-74Gabe Vincent makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jake LaRavia assists)
- 3rd Quarter85-74Gary Trent Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Bobby Portis assists)
- 3rd Quarter85-77Luka Doncic makes 29-foot three point jumper (Jarred Vanderbilt assists)
- 3rd Quarter86-77Kevin Porter Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-79Dalton Knecht makes 11-foot pullup jump shot (Jaxson Hayes assists)
- 4th Quarter88-79Kyle Kuzma makes 14-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter88-82LeBron James makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter88-84LeBron James makes two point shot (Marcus Smart assists)
- 4th Quarter88-86Dalton Knecht makes running layup (LeBron James assists)
- 4th Quarter90-86Giannis Antetokounmpo makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter90-88Jarred Vanderbilt makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter90-90LeBron James makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter90-92LeBron James makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter90-94Luka Doncic makes 7-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter92-94Bobby Portis makes 4-foot layup (Ryan Rollins assists)
- 4th Quarter93-94Ryan Rollins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-94Ryan Rollins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-95LeBron James makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-96LeBron James makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-98LeBron James makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter95-98Ryan Rollins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-98Ryan Rollins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-98Kevin Porter Jr. makes two point shot (Giannis Antetokounmpo assists)
- 4th Quarter101-98Myles Turner makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ryan Rollins assists)
- 4th Quarter101-101Jake LaRavia makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot (Luka Doncic assists)
- 4th Quarter102-101Kevin Porter Jr. makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter103-101Kevin Porter Jr. makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter104-101Kevin Porter Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-101Kevin Porter Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Los Angeles Lakers, below favours Milwaukee Bucks.
Venue
- crypto.com ArenaLos Angeles, CA
- Attendance18997
- OfficialsBrian Forte, Gediminas Petraitis, Ashley Moyer-Gleich
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