Lakers in the Giannis Sweepstakes? Here's What a Trade Could Look Like-and Why It Might (or Might Not) Work
The NBA rumor mill is heating up, and this one’s a scorcher: Giannis Antetokounmpo could be on the move. According to recent reports, the former MVP is “ready for a new home,” and the Milwaukee Bucks have started to pick up the phone and listen to offers.
Naturally, teams across the league are lining up to pitch their best packages, and yes-one of those teams is the Los Angeles Lakers. The purple and gold are reportedly a team to watch, especially as the offseason approaches when they’ll have more flexibility with draft picks and potentially more clarity on the futures of LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
But what if the Lakers want to make a move now, before the trade deadline? Let’s break down what a realistic trade could look like, and why it might make sense-or not-for the Bucks to pull the trigger.
A Hypothetical Lakers-Bucks Blockbuster
Lakers Receive:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Thanasis Antetokounmpo
- Andre Jackson Jr.
Bucks Receive:
- Austin Reaves
- Jake LaRavia
- Rui Hachimura
- Gabe Vincent
- Maxi Kleber
- 2032 first-round pick
Why the Bucks Might Say Yes
Let’s start with the centerpiece: Austin Reaves. When healthy, Reaves has looked every bit the part of a rising star.
He’s averaging a scorching 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds through 23 games. That includes five 30-point nights, two 40-point performances, and even a 50-point explosion.
And he’s not just padding stats-Reaves has shown he can carry the load when the stars are out. In games without Luka Doncic or LeBron James, he’s stepped up as a lead option and looked comfortable doing it. At 27, he’s entering his prime, and for a Bucks team potentially heading into a retool or rebuild, that’s an intriguing piece to build around.
Jake LaRavia adds some upside and familiarity-he’s close friends with Reaves, which could help with locker room chemistry. Then there’s the trio of Hachimura, Vincent, and Kleber.
While they’re not long-term building blocks, all three are on expiring deals. That gives Milwaukee some financial breathing room heading into the offseason, along with flexibility to reshape the roster.
And then there’s the pick. A 2032 first-rounder might seem far off, but in NBA terms, that’s a potential gold mine.
By that point, both Doncic and Giannis could be well into their 30s-or playing elsewhere entirely. In a league that changes fast, that pick could end up being a valuable asset.
So if the Bucks are looking for a young, productive player, some financial flexibility, and a potentially high-upside future pick, this deal checks a lot of boxes.
Why the Bucks Might Say No
Now for the other side of the coin.
Sources around the league say Milwaukee’s asking price is steep-they want “all of your young players and all of your draft picks.” And while this offer is solid, it may not be enough to meet that sky-high bar.
For starters, Reaves is 27. That’s not old by any means, but it’s older than some of the other young stars teams could offer. And while he’s having a breakout season, the Bucks may be looking for a younger player with a higher long-term ceiling.
Then there’s the question of long-term commitment. Reaves has a player option for the 2026-27 season, and he’s expected to decline it to test free agency.
That means Milwaukee could trade for him, only to lose him a few months later. That’s a risk-especially when the centerpiece of the deal is someone you hope to build around.
The rest of the package-LaRavia, Hachimura, Vincent, Kleber-feels more like salary filler than foundational pieces. And while that 2032 pick could be valuable, it’s still a long way off. For a team trading away a generational talent like Giannis, that might not be enough to justify the move.
Let’s not forget: Even with injuries limiting him to 30 games this season, Giannis is still putting up 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in under 30 minutes a night. That’s elite production from a player who remains one of the most dominant forces in the league. If the Bucks are going to move on from that, they’re right to ask for the moon.
Why the Offseason Might Be the Better Bet
The Lakers are more likely to make a serious run at Giannis in the offseason, and here’s why: draft flexibility. Right now, the Stepien Rule prevents them from trading their 2026 first-round pick, since they already owe their 2027 pick to the Jazz. But once the 2026 draft happens, they can trade that pick after making the selection.
That opens the door for a more enticing package-one that might include a recent lottery pick, more draft assets, and perhaps a clearer picture of where LeBron and Reaves stand heading into the next phase of the franchise.
Bottom Line
The Lakers have the star power, the market appeal, and potentially enough assets to make a run at Giannis. But whether they can-or should-pull it off before the deadline is a different story. For the Bucks, the decision comes down to whether they’re ready to reset now or wait for the summer, when more teams (and picks) are in play.
Either way, buckle up. If Giannis is truly on the move, the NBA landscape is about to shift in a major way-and the Lakers are right in the middle of it.