LOS ANGELES — If the Lakers still needed a measuring stick before the trade deadline, the Milwaukee Bucks arrived right on time.

A systematic dismantling unfolded Tuesday night, one which left absolutely no doubt where the Lakers stand two-thirds of the way through the season: far below the top tier.

The Bucks attacked the Lakers in pick-and-roll, stretched them with post-ups for kick-outs, hit 3-pointers over their outstretched fingers. Two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo made his first 11 shots – then snuffed the Lakers for good with back-to-back dunks at the top of the fourth quarter, after the Bucks had already led by double-digits for the bulk of the night.

It was a thrashing, a butt-kicking, a 131-116 blowout that underscored all of Milwaukee’s strengths and showcased each of the Lakers’ weaknesses: a toothless defense, a discombobulated attack, and an embattled third star continuing to slump.

“Disposition, competition, level of competitive spirit we showed for a big game,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said while listing the things he didn’t like from his team. “It was very disappointing. Containment. Blow-bys. Broken coverages. Not getting back on defense. Not hitting people on the glass well enough. Not being physical enough overall.”

It was early in the third quarter, shortly after two successive Russell Westbrook turnovers that the sellout crowd turned on the home team and booed. It wasn’t the first time the Lakers have felt such disapproval this season, and if they stay on the current course, it’s unlikely to be the last.

Antetokounmpo was the standout star, scoring 44 points with 14 rebounds and eight assists on 14-for-20 shooting. LeBron James had 27 points with eight assists, while Anthony Davis had 22 points – limited as much by his 10 attempts from the field as any Bucks defender.

As the Lakers made an attempt at a comeback, Westbrook observed from the bench. He did not at all in the fourth quarter, finishing with just 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists on 3-for-11 shooting in 26 minutes. The first time Westbrook was benched in crunch time, it was a big story; a few weeks later, it’s not such a strange sight, though Westbrook might not agree with the decision.

“I shouldn’t have to hit any benchmark, to be honest,” Westbrook said. “I put a lot of work in. I have a lot of respect in this game. I don’t have to hit a benchmark. I shouldn’t have to. I earned the right to be in closing lineups. I mean, numbers will tell you. I don’t have to explain that.”

Westbrook might be emblematic of the Lakers’ issues, but he’s not the whole of them. The performance against one of the serious contenders for the title gives the Lakers, who once declared such ambitions, a lot to think about ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.

For the last few years, these teams have waged titanic, epic battles. James has often raised his level against Antetokounmpo, who some consider the successor to his unofficial best-player-in-the-league title. Since James came to Los Angeles, the two entered Tuesday’s match-up 2-2 in the head-to-head games in which they’ve both been available.

But the Greek Freak and his defending champs are no longer deer in the headlights. Just a few minutes after tip-off, there was absolutely no suspense for how the evening would turn.

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The Bucks shot 16 for 26 in the first quarter while attacking the Lakers in pick-and-roll, nailing 3-pointers and generally bullying them in the paint (20 points).

The Lakers made a late run – too late. From the high-water mark of 30 points, the Bucks slowly let their margin trickle away. With 5:28 left in the fourth, James checked back in with a 12-point deficit. A Malik Monk dunk moments later got the Lakers within 10.

Milwaukee had been forced to play it safe with Antetoukounmpo, who despite an otherwise otherworldly performance was saddled with five fouls. But when he checked back in, the Bucks were able to pull away again. But even the threat of a comeback felt like an illusion: From late in the first quarter, the Lakers never were within double digits of their guests.

More to come on this story.