Giannis Antetokounmpo says Jazz — not Lakers — are 'best team in the West'
The reigning MVP has spoken, and he says there's a new king out West. Milwaukee Bucks big man Giannis Antetokounmpo believes the Utah Jazz — and not the Los Angeles Lakers — are the best team in the Western Conference right now.
Antetokounmpo made those comments following the Bucks' 129-115 loss to the Jazz on Friday. Antetokounmpo was very complimentary of the Jazz, calling them "the best team in the West."
Around the 2:50 mark in the above video, Antetokounmpo says:
"Today, we played a game against the best team in the West. They've been playing amazing. They won — with this game —17 out of their last 18. They're playing good. They're moving the ball. They're making threes. They're finding their rollers. They're keeping it simple. They're going to the foul line. They are pretty much doing everything. They are having fun."
Despite the loss, Antetokounmpo still turned in a strong game. He finished the contest with 29 points and 15 rebounds. With the loss, the Bucks dropped to 16-10. They currently sit in the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference.
Giannis Antetokounmpo picks Jazz over Lakers
While Antetokounmpo's comments may anger some Lakers fans, Antetokounmpo should be considered a reliable judge of solid basketball. On top of being one of the best players in the league, Antetokounmpo has played both the Jazz and Lakers this season.
In January, the Bucks dropped a close one to the Lakers, 113-106. Antetokounmpo had 25 points and 12 rebounds in that contest.
The Jazz may currently hold the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, but it's close. Utah sits at 21-5, while the Lakers are 21-6. Fans debating Antetokounmpo's statement could get their answer Feb. 24, when the Jazz and Lakers are set to meet for the first time this season.
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