As the NBA trade deadline passed without a blockbuster move involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks held firm, keeping their two-time MVP in place-at least for now. But make no mistake: once the offseason arrives, the Giannis sweepstakes are expected to heat up again, and this time, the chase might get serious.
Among the teams believed to be in the strongest position to make a run at him are the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks. All three have the mix of assets and ambition to make things interesting. But there’s another team quietly lurking in the background-the Los Angeles Lakers.
Now, on paper, the Lakers might not have the most enticing trade chips. Their roster isn’t exactly stacked with young, high-upside talent that would typically headline a deal for a superstar.
But what they do have is flexibility-and a lot of it. With potentially over $50 million in cap space this summer and three tradable first-round picks (including this year’s), L.A. is positioned to be a major player, whether it’s in the Giannis conversation or elsewhere.
And here’s the key: according to team sources, the Lakers aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket. While they’ll absolutely explore a pursuit of Antetokounmpo-because, frankly, how could you not-they’re also keeping the door open to other roster-building avenues.
That’s the advantage of their situation. They’re not locked into one path, and that optionality could prove crucial in an offseason that’s expected to be light on marquee names.
The free agent market this summer isn’t exactly loaded with stars, but there are some intriguing names that fit the Lakers’ needs. Two-way forwards like Peyton Watson and Tari Eason could offer the kind of defensive versatility and athleticism that would complement a team looking to contend.
There’s also the possibility of revisiting interest in Trey Murphy III, a player the Lakers reportedly had their eye on ahead of the deadline. He fits the mold of a modern NBA wing-long, switchable, and capable of stretching the floor.
And then there’s always the wild card: the player who’s not yet on the radar but could emerge as a legitimate difference-maker. The Lakers have the cap space and the draft capital to get creative, whether that means absorbing contracts into space, flipping picks for high-level role players, or taking a swing at restricted free agents who could be pried loose with the right offer.
Of course, all of this hinges on the front office executing a clear and aggressive plan. Lakers fans have seen the highs and lows of roster construction under Rob Pelinka. There’s no question that some skepticism remains about whether the team can pull off the kind of moves that would elevate them back into true title contention.
But what’s undeniable is that the Lakers are entering this summer with a rare blend of flexibility and urgency. Whether it’s chasing a superstar like Giannis, adding high-impact role players, or reshaping the roster around a foundational star like Luka Doncic, the Lakers are in position to make noise. The question now is: will they capitalize?
The runway is clear. The tools are there. Now it’s about execution.