The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 133-129, at Fiserv Forum on Friday night.

The Lakers (9-12) came into the game aiming to continue their recent resurgence, one that had seen them win six of the prior nine games. Los Angeles served notice early that it wouldn't be fazed by having to face the Bucks (15-6) in their extremely tough home environment and with the returning Khris Middleton, scoring 66 first-half points on the way to an eight-point lead at intermission. Milwaukee turned up its offense in the third, however, accruing 39 points and slicing its deficit in half in the process. That set up a thrilling fourth quarter that saw several ties, as well as both teams hold slim leads. However, the Lakers were able to keep the Bucks scoreless over the final 48.9 seconds, helping them offset a trio of missed free throws by Russell Westbrook (two) and Anthony Davis (one).

Davis led the Lakers with 44 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. LeBron James generated a 28-point, 11-assist double-double that included eight rebounds and two steals. Westbrook finished with a 15-point, 11-assist double-double that included seven rebounds. Lonnie Walker delivered 14 points, two rebounds and one block.

Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 40 points, seven rebounds, five assists and one block. Jrue Holiday registered 28 points, nine assists, six rebounds and one steal. Middleton furnished 17 points, seven assists and two rebounds in his season debut. Bobby Portis contributed 15 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Brook Lopez pitched in 13 points, seven boards, one assist and three blocks.

The Lakers remain on the road and head further east to visit the Washington Wizards on Sunday evening, while the Bucks visit the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday evening.