It was only a matter of time before Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Lakers found themselves in the same sentence. That’s just how it goes when a generational talent starts to show even the slightest signs of wanting out-especially in a league where stars often steer their own futures. And now, with the Bucks reportedly listening to offers, the Giannis sweepstakes may be officially underway.
Let’s be clear: the Lakers aren’t front-runners in this conversation-at least not right now. If Milwaukee is serious about moving quickly and pulling the trigger before the trade deadline, Los Angeles is working from a position of disadvantage.
Their current trade assets are limited: one first-round pick, one second-rounder, and some salary filler. Sure, Austin Reaves could be part of the package, but there’s a catch-Reaves has a player option and could hit unrestricted free agency this summer.
That kind of uncertainty doesn’t exactly scream “high-value asset” to a team like the Bucks, who are likely seeking long-term pieces in return for their franchise cornerstone.
But the real intrigue starts if this thing drags into the offseason.
That’s when the Lakers can start to make a little more noise. According to recent reporting from Howard Beck on The Zach Lowe Show, Giannis has at least some level of interest in the Lakers.
Beck said, “I was told recently that the Lakers were a team to keep an eye on from Giannis’ standpoint just as another team of interest.” That’s not a declaration of intent, but it’s enough to keep the rumor mill churning.
The summer changes the math for L.A. They’ll have more draft capital to work with, and perhaps more importantly, they’ll have clarity on two major fronts: LeBron James’ future, and Austin Reaves’ contract status.
If LeBron opts in or out, or even decides to move on, that could reshape the Lakers’ cap sheet and priorities. And if Reaves re-signs or walks, that also impacts how aggressively the front office can pursue a blockbuster deal.
Still, even with more assets in hand come summer, there’s a fundamental truth that remains: the Lakers would need some help from Giannis himself to make this happen.
Unless the Bucks are willing to honor Giannis’ preferences and send him to a destination of his choosing-a big “if” in today’s NBA-L.A. simply doesn’t have the war chest of picks and young talent that other teams can offer. And unless Giannis is willing to push hard for L.A. as his destination, it’s tough to see the Bucks prioritizing a Lakers offer over more competitive bids.
That’s where things get complicated. Giannis has never been the type to stir the pot publicly.
He’s been loyal to Milwaukee, careful with his words, and clearly aware of how his actions ripple through the league and his fanbase. For him to force his way to Los Angeles, he’d have to embrace the role of the villain-something he’s shown no appetite for.
But don’t count the Lakers out entirely. What they can offer Milwaukee is something not every team can: financial relief.
With a significant amount of projected cap space, L.A. could help the Bucks shed salary and avoid luxury tax penalties. That might not sound as sexy as a haul of first-rounders and rising stars, but for a franchise weighing its long-term financial flexibility, it could be a meaningful part of the equation.
So, is a package built around modest draft picks and major tax savings enough to tempt Milwaukee? That depends on what the Bucks’ ownership values most in a potential deal-future assets, financial relief, or doing right by a player who’s given them everything.
For now, the Lakers are on the periphery of the Giannis conversation. But if this saga stretches into the summer and the landscape shifts, don’t be surprised if they find their way to the center of it. After all, this is the NBA-and in this league, the biggest names always seem to find their way to the biggest stages.