The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 113-106, at Fiserv Forum on Thursday night.

The Lakers (12-4) came into the contest knowing they'd be facing a formidable challenge in the form of a healthy and well-rested Bucks (9-6) team, and that bore out in a first quarter that Milwaukee emerged from with a 33-29 lead. Los Angeles was able to change the course of the game in the second quarter, however, forging a six-point lead by halftime. The defending champs lost just one point from their advantage during the third, and a 16-10 run over the first 6:17 of the final period helped provide the necessary cushion to survive some reduced margins late.

LeBron James led the way for the Lakers with 34 points, complementing them with eight assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope furnished 23 points, three rebounds and one block. Anthony Davis supplied 18 points, nine boards, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Montrezl Harrell delivered 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 25-point, 12-rebound double-double that also includes three assists and one block. Jrue Holiday registered 22 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Khris Middleton finished with 20 points, seven assists and five boards. Brook Lopez went for 13 points, four rebounds and two blocks. Donte DiVincenzo managed 10 points, four boards, two assists and one steal.

The Lakers remain on the road and tangle with the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, while the Bucks next take the floor against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night.