PREVIEW: The Los Angeles Lakers (23-12) will host the Milwaukee Bucks (16-21) on January 9, 2026 , setting up a clash between a West Coast contender and a team searching for consistency. Milwaukee boasts elite three-point shooting efficiency ranked first overall, while also excelling at attacking the rim from the fourth position , giving them multiple offensive avenues to exploit. However, the Bucks struggle with offensive rebounding ranked 29th and allow a concerning 43.7 percent of three-point attempts on defense , creating potential weaknesses Los Angeles can target. The Lakers counter with league-leading efficiency at the rim and a dominant free-throw rate ranked first, while their defense ranks fourth against three-point attempts , making them dangerous on both ends when fully engaged. Milwaukee enters as the surprising 11th seed and sits just 7-12 on the road this season with no winning streaks of more than two games , showing inconsistency that could prove costly in hostile territory. The Lakers believe they have found their rhythm over their last six games, though whether this improvement proves sustainable remains uncertain. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues his excellence, averaging 29.5 points and 10 rebounds per contest , making him the engine that keeps Milwaukee competitive despite their roster limitations. The matchup ultimately hinges on whether Los Angeles can neutralize Milwaukee's perimeter threats while exploiting their vulnerability on the boards and defending the three-point line.