LeBron James reportedly wonders if the Bucks’ stars only get up for big games

Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said the Milwaukee Bucks played harder than his team in their 118-101 Nov. 29 loss. And after Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker dropped a combined 55 points per game in back-to-back losing efforts against Cleveland on Tuesday and Wednesday, it seems the young Bucks waking up for LeBron James and company could become a trend.

In doing so, they’ve planted themselves firmly on The King’s radar.

James, according to ESPN.com’s Dave McMenamin, is even going so far to wonder if and why Antetokoumpo and Parker get up more for games against the Cavaliers than they do for other opponents.

Writes McMenamin:

James has been respectful and supportive in his public comments about Parker and Antetokounmpo, offering stock answers about their potential rather than resorting to his go-to quote of, "I don't know, I'm not a GM," when he doesn't want to talk about a rising star for whatever reason.

Yet privately, after the Bucks beat the pants off the Cavs 118-101 on Nov. 29, James was less than impressed with how Parker and Antetokounmpo clearly played at a higher level against the Cavs than they normally do. That made James wonder why Parker and Antetokounmpo don't make that level of play their standard and become true professionals.

The King may have a point.

This season, some of Milwaukee’s most competitive basketball has come against the defending champs. The Bucks average 103.9 points per game this season. In three games against Cleveland, they’ve netted 109.3, including 118 — their second-highest point total of the year.

Specifically, Antetokounmpo and co-star Jabari Parker perform better against the Cavaliers than other opponents.

The Greek Freak averages 22.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists on the season, but posts 29 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals on average against Cleveland. Parker, a 38.4 percent three-point shooter, is shooting 50 percent against the Cavaliers and is scoring five more points per game (25.1) against them than he normally does (20.1).

The two teams play each other for the final time on Feb. 27, unless the Bucks make the playoffs.

Like many NBA fans, James understands Milwaukee’s potential to develop into a perennial Eastern Conference postseason threat. In Antetokounmpo and Parker, the Bucks have two future All-Stars and the requisite length to disrupt opposing teams on both ends.

But he wasn’t quick to pull the trigger on the youthful Milwaukee team contending just yet. When asked about the Bucks’ playoff potential, James asked: "How far down the line? How far we talkin'?"

James’ co-star, Kyrie Irving, launched lighter fluid onto the dumpster fire when he insinuated a series against Milwaukee would end in a sweep.

"I hope, man. I hope. They're a great young team,” Irving said on Tuesday, according to ESPN.com. “It would be great to go four games against them. I'm fired up to go against them every time now, for real. Ever since they kicked our ass in Milwaukee, it's been personal, and it's going to continue to be personal."

James and Irving should be careful what they wish for. The 13-14 Bucks are in a virtual tie with the eighth-seeded Atlanta Hawks (14-15). Whether a playoff series goes four games or a full seven, it’s going to be personal.