Reporter discusses Lakers’ possibilities of touchdown Giannis Antetokounmpo

Do the Los Angeles Lakers have a practical probability of touchdown Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer season? 

On Monday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Milwaukee Bucks ahead is “open-minded” about enjoying somewhere else for the primary time in his occupation. A possible Lakers-Antetokounmpo industry might hinge on whether or not the 2020-21 Finals MVP needs to play in L.A.

On a Monday episode of “Get Up,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst mentioned the Bucks will need a couple of draft choices to go into rebuilding mode. Milwaukee has only one pick out (No. 47 in the second one around) within the 2025 NBA Draft. 

“So ideally, the Bucks want players, and they’re going to want other teams’ picks,” Windhorst mentioned. “There are several teams who have this exact package, including San Antonio, Houston and Brooklyn.” 

The Lakers have only one pick out (No. 55 in the second one around) within the 2025 draft. They lack draft capital however do have stars.

L.A.’s roster options ahead LeBron James and guard Luka Doncic. Forming a trio with those fellow standouts might enchantment to Antetokounmpo. 

“Could Giannis come in and say, ‘I am going nowhere but the Lakers?’ Yes,” Windhorst mentioned. “And if that happens, that would increase it. But I don’t think the Lakers or the Knicks could make an offer that’s in the top five or six. But because Giannis potentially has agency in this, then you would say that his words matter a lot.”

If Antetokounmpo mentioned he sought after to play for the Lakers, L.A. would want to transparent cap house for a possible extension. The 30-year-old is underneath contract till the 2026-27 season, with a $62.79M participant choice for 2027-28. 

Spotrac estimates the Lakers shall be $59.8M over the cap and $3.69M over the tax threshold this offseason. If James workout routines his participant choice ($52.63M) prior to the June 29 cut-off date, that will consume extra cap room.

To minimize prices, the Lakers might come with guard Austin Reaves and ahead Rui Hachimura in a industry bundle. Next season, Hachimura has the staff’s third-highest cap hit ($18.26M), and Reaves has the fifth-highest ($13.94M).

Trading for Antetokounmpo may just turn out difficult for the Lakers. However, after consecutive first-round playoff exits, they will have to make giant strikes this offseason. Acquiring a participant of the Greek famous person’s caliber might be the most important.