Bucks Coach Addresses Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Injury Concern Amid Lakers Trade Rumors

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s EuroBasket campaign has been a mix of dominance and doubt. After averaging 29.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in just two games, his absence against Bosnia and Herzegovina changed everything for Greece. The 77-80 defeat exposed how much the team leans on his energy and created uncertainty before a decisive matchup with Spain. Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis admitted the loss was “a lesson” while stressing the importance of keeping composure and readiness for the knockout stage.

That uncertainty only grew when Antetokounmpo was held out with knee discomfort. The Greek federation confirmed the move was precautionary, but his status quickly became the biggest storyline of the tournament. Spanoulis later eased concerns, saying “we expect both players to be back on Thursday” while pointing to the timing of the comeback as the most important factor. For Greece, the pressure is massive, and for Milwaukee, every update is magnified, especially with offseason chatter about Giannis’s long-term future already in the air.

@Christos Tsaltas captured the moment by sharing comments from Bucks assistant Vin Baker, who addressed Antetokounmpo’s preparation ahead of Spain. “Just normal preparation, I think, giving it some rest and he’ll be ready to play, giving it the proper rest and he’s excited to play,” Baker told Athletiko.gr. He added that Giannis “gets locked in the morning of, doesn’t say a lot, which means he’s locked in on the game… so again, I expect the very best version of him tonight.” Baker emphasized how the team feeds off his energy, noting that Greece looks like a different squad when he is on the floor.

"He's locked in on the game. He's excited. I expect the very best version of him tonight."

Vin Baker on Giannis Antetokounmpo's preparation ahead of the big-time game vs. Spain.

1-on-1 for @athletiko_gr: https://t.co/3GltiHXr91 #HellasBasketball #EuroBasket #Fearthedeer pic.twitter.com/btBMmQd92S

— Christos Tsaltas (@Tsaltas46) September 4, 2025

(This is a developing story)

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