The Los Angeles Lakers are setting their sights high in 2026, with plans for an ambitious pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer. According to reports, if the Milwaukee Bucks decide to trade him, the Lakers are ready to make a serious play.
This isn’t just idle chatter. The Lakers have been strategically preserving their assets, which explains their quiet trade deadline.
On the table, they have three tradable first-round picks and two pick swaps, offering them some flexibility. If the Bucks decide to rebuild from scratch, the Lakers’ draft capital could be appealing.
However, the situation is far from straightforward.
The Lakers’ roster lacks a wealth of young, high-potential prospects. Austin Reaves stands out as their most valuable player asset, and they’re keen to keep him.
Reaves is appreciated for his shot creation, toughness, and contract flexibility, and he reportedly has a strong on-court chemistry with Luka Doncic. If the Bucks insist on Reaves, the Lakers would face a tough decision: extend and trade him later or work out a sign-and-trade deal.
Beyond Reaves, the Lakers’ assets are limited. They don't have a stockpile of promising rookie-scale players or mid-tier assets to sweeten a deal. This could be a disadvantage compared to other teams eyeing Giannis.
Teams like the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves have also been linked to Giannis. They can potentially offer packages with established All-Star players or younger cornerstone talents, which might be more attractive to the Bucks if they aim to stay competitive.
So, why are the Lakers confident?
In the NBA, stars are king, and Los Angeles believes Giannis would have them high on his list if he signals preferred destinations. The allure of the LA market, the Lakers brand, and the chance to team up with Luka Doncic create a compelling pitch.
There's a long-term vision in play as well. The Lakers are focusing their future around Luka, with LeBron James no longer the focal point. Pairing a 31-year-old Giannis with a 27-year-old Luka could usher in a new era of dominance for the Lakers.
Of course, there are questions about how Giannis and Luka would fit together on the court. Former Laker Danny Green has expressed doubts about whether two ball-dominant superstars can mesh, given their contrasting styles.
Giannis excels in transition, while Luka thrives in a more controlled, half-court setting. Merging these styles would require adjustments from both stars.
Yet, talent often finds a way to work together.
The bigger challenge might not be their on-court fit but rather the value of the trade package. If Milwaukee opens the bidding, the Lakers could be outmatched by teams with deeper asset pools.
But rest assured, if Giannis decides he wants a change, the Lakers are ready to go all in.