The Los Angeles Lakers appear to have more questions than answers when it comes to the ongoing NBA rumors heading into a long offseason. Los Angeles has some work to do after the Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Lakers in the NBA playoffs.
Perhaps the biggest question is health as the Lakers hit a hot streak towards the end of the season when LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were all healthy. Injuries forced Reaves and Doncic out of the lineup with the latter missing the entire postseason.
Beyond health, questions surround James’ future as the superstar hits NBA free agency with retirement also potentially on the table. Reaves will also be a free agent as the Lakers attempt to re-sign the star.
Yet, the Lakers have also been linked to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo in NBA trade rumors. Could the Lakers look to pair Antetokounmpo with Doncic and James?
Let’s explore the latest Lakers trade rumors.
Lakers Rumors: NBA Trade Idea Flips Austin Reaves for Bucks Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo
Los Angeles has made it clear that their goal is to re-sign Reaves. Forbes’ Mark Medina suggested that the Lakers could look to sign-and-trade Reaves to the Bucks for Antetokounmpo.
The challenge is Reaves has full control of his future in free agency and would have to agree to sign with Milwaukee in order for the proposed deal to work. Medina suggested that the Lakers could float Reaves (pending an agreement by the guard) as well as a package of future draft picks in an attempt to land Antetokounmpo.
“They have three first-round picks (2026, 2031, 2033) and three pick swaps (2028, 2030, 2034),” Medina wrote in a May 12, 2026, story titled, “How Will Lakers Handle Offseason With LeBron James And Austin Reaves?” “With James, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, Luke Kennard and Maxi Kleber slated to become unrestricted free agents, the Lakers could have around $50 million in cap space assuming that Deandre Ayton ($8.1 million) and Marcus Smart ($5.4 million) exercise their player option. The Lakers could dangle Reaves as part of a sign-and-trade, too.
“The Lakers also face some potential obstacles. Reaves may not agree to such an arrangement. As enticing as Antetokounmpo is, the Lakers could become vulnerable if they allow all of their pending free agents to leave without any reinforcements in place.”
Lakers Star Austin Reaves’ New Contract Could Top $240 Million in NBA Free Agency
Reaves played on a four-year, $53.8 million contract this season and is headed for a massive raise. Projections for Reaves’ new contract estimate that the star’s next deal could top $240 million.
It is fair to wonder if the Lakers would prefer to spend this money on another superstar. Antetokounmpo is heading into the final season of a $175 million contract.
“I don’t think about much,” Reaves remarked when asked about free agency, per HoopsHype’s Mike Scotto. “I take life day by day. I’m blessed to have an opportunity to play for this organization. I play a kid’s game. I make good money.”
Smart money is on Reaves re-signing with the Lakers, but Los Angeles could look to get aggressive if James returns for another season. Antetokounmpo appears to be the biggest fish available this summer, and no team likes landing a big fish quite like the Lakers.
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