Lakers reportedly a top choice for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The way this season ended shed light on many imperfections this team needs to correct this offseason. The number one issue is size and toughness, specifically on the defensive end.
Many expected Los Angeles to pursue a big this summer, and Rob Pelinka’s comments at the end of the season presser confirmed that.
With a dry free agency class this summer, a league fresh off a mindblowing trade, and many disgruntled superstars, trades will most certainly be the path to improvement for many teams this summer.
After another disappointing first-round exit similar to the Lakers, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee are once again going back to the drawing board. Many, however, are anticipating that this could be the last time the two sides join forces to do so.
If Giannis is indeed on the move this summer, you would think that after everything he’s done for them, the organization would work with him to get the superstar where he wants. Thanks to some reporting by Howard Beck of The Ringer, we may have some insight into who those teams would be.
Lakers among top destinations for Antetokounmpo
During an appearance on the Zach Lowe Show, Beck shared that after poking around the league for a bit, he was able to establish a baseline on the pulse of Giannis’ desires.
“The initial thing I got from one person was like, you know, some rumblings that it’s already the big cities. It’s one of the LA teams, or one of the New York teams, or maybe Miami…”
If you pair that reporting with Giannis’ comments on Europeans in big markets post-Doncic trade, it may not be so unbelievable.
Giannis was asked about the Luka trade and said his dream is for all the European stars to go to all the big markets ⭐️👀
“I want Luka to Lakers. I want Jokic to Knicks. I want all the Europeans to go to the big markets.”
(via @Bucks) pic.twitter.com/GlZoLdV2v9
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 3, 2025
Could Giannis to the Lakers work?
The first thing trading for Giannis would look like would be the NBA and all other fan bases throwing fits and rioting in the streets. When trading for a star-caliber player making star-caliber money, the financials can get tricky.
In the Lakers’ case, they would have to gut their team in order to make this work. A trade package of Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Maxi Kleber would do the trick financially. Los Angeles throws in a couple of first-round picks, and there might be a conversation to be had.
It all comes down to two things: whether the Bucks are willing to work with Giannis to get him to a preferred destination and, if that’s the case, how the Lakers’ offer would stack up against opposing teams’ bids.
If this trade did find its way to Adam Silver’s desk, Giannis’ Lakers jersey sales might surpass the sales that Doncic’s jerseys put up post-trade.
