Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo appears to be channeling a bit of Kobe Bryant’s intensity during team practices. In a video shared by the Bucks on Monday, the two-time MVP was mic’d up and could be seen pushing his teammates hard while keeping the energy high throughout the session.
Antetokounmpo became animated after driving hard to the basket against Kyle Kuzma and Jericho Sims. The two defenders stood their ground and claimed there was no foul, but Giannis quickly responded, pointing out that he never said there was one. He added that if the situation were flipped, Kuzma and Sims would have been quick to ask for a foul call.
"I want it. I want it. I want it."@Giannis_An34 is hungry entering Year 13 😤 pic.twitter.com/Gge2mQLybv
— NBA (@NBA) October 20, 2025
“Can’t be a tough guy and whine at the same time,” Antetokounmpo remarked at a point during the team’s practice.
NBA officials who have called Antetokounmpo’s games might see a hint of irony in his comment, but the takeaway is clear: Antetokounmpo has complete control of the Bucks’ locker room as the new season approaches.
Antetokounmpo also traded words with Bobby Portis around the one-minute mark of the clip during a fiery practice run. Antetokounmpo isn’t usually known for being that outspoken, or at least not as openly as he was in this session.
Giannis Antetokounmpo locked in for the Bucks
The Greek Freak appeared determined to test everyone’s limits, urging his teammates to sharpen their execution and maintain an intense level of physical play throughout practice.
The Milwaukee Bucks seem to be banking entirely on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s brilliance to lift this rag tag group of players into championship contention in what has become a battered Eastern Conference.
The Bucks moved on from Damian Lillard this offseason and redirected the freed-up cap space toward signing Myles Turner, who had just guided the Indiana Pacers to an NBA Finals appearance.
Turner brings youth, mobility, and versatility to the frontcourt, offering a blend of rim protection and outside shooting that longtime center Brook Lopez, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, once provided.
According to reports, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s agent has started exploring potential trade options ahead of the deadline, depending on how the Bucks perform over the next few months. That puts much of Giannis’ future in the hands of his teammates. Like several other Eastern Conference squads, Milwaukee still has a fighting chance to make a meaningful postseason run.
Ultimately, everything hinges on Antetokounmpo, and he will need to deliver a herculean carry job to lead this Bucks team back into the postseason.
