The Los Angeles Lakers may be staring at playoff elimination, but around the NBA, executives already believe their next championship swing could center on one name: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
As the Lakers fight to avoid a sweep against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals, league attention has rapidly shifted toward an offseason that could reshape the NBA landscape.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Milwaukee Bucks are once again preparing for serious trade discussions involving Antetokounmpo — and the Lakers are expected to remain among the aggressive suitors after pursuing the two-time MVP before February’s trade deadline.
Lakers-Giannis Trade Rumors Intensify Ahead of NBA Offseason
The timing could not be more significant for Los Angeles.
The Lakers trail Oklahoma City 3-0 in their second-round series and are on the brink of elimination after a 131-108 Game 3 loss exposed the growing gap between the aging Lakers core and the Thunder’s younger, deeper roster.
Even coach JJ Redick continues to publicly fight against the reality closing in on his team.
“Still think we can beat them,” Redick said after Game 3.
But league executives already appear focused on what comes next.
Charania reported that Milwaukee is “open for business” on Antetokounmpo discussions entering the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, with ownership expecting clarity on the superstar’s future before the June 23-24 NBA Draft.
“Sometime over the next six or seven weeks we’ll decide whether Giannis is going to sign a max contract and stay with us or he’s going to play somewhere else,” Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam said Wednesday.
That development has immediately reignited speculation around the Lakers, who Charania reported explored Antetokounmpo scenarios at the trade deadline alongside the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Lakers Draft Picks, Trade Assets Could Fuel Giannis Antetokounmpo Pursuit
Unlike previous seasons when their draft cupboard was nearly empty, the Lakers now possess enough future assets to at least enter serious superstar trade conversations.
In the offseason, Los Angeles controls three tradeable first-round picks — 2026, 2031 and 2033 — along with three pick swaps in 2028, 2030 and 2032.
That combination of draft capital, expiring contracts and potential cap flexibility gives the Lakers a far more credible foundation for a blockbuster pursuit than they previously possessed.
League executives have long viewed the Lakers as one of the NBA’s most aggressive star-chasing franchises, particularly with LeBron James nearing the latter stages of his career and the organization determined to maximize whatever championship window remains.
Still, Milwaukee’s expected asking price remains enormous.
According to Charania, the Bucks are expected to seek a package centered around a young blue-chip talent and/or a massive collection of draft picks — a bidding war that could involve franchises like the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Knicks.
Major Offseason Questions Around LeBron James, Austin Reaves
GettyAustin Reaves and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers will have major decisions to make this offseason.
The Lakers’ looming elimination has only intensified the urgency surrounding the franchise.
James remains undecided about his future, entering what could become the final phase of his legendary career. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves is widely expected to decline his player option this summer in pursuit of a major new contract.
Compounding matters, the Lakers have been forced to navigate the postseason without injured superstar Luka Doncic, whose hamstring injury dramatically altered their championship outlook after Los Angeles surged late in the regular season.
The Lakers still managed to eliminate the Houston Rockets in the first round behind James and a veteran-heavy supporting cast. But against Oklahoma City, their limitations have become glaring.
The Thunder have outscored the Lakers by an average of 18 points in the second half throughout the series, overwhelming Los Angeles with pace, depth and relentless athleticism.
That reality has fueled league-wide belief that the Lakers could pursue another superstar-level move this summer.
And few players carry more transformational power than Antetokounmpo.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Market Expected to Become NBA’s Biggest Story
Antetokounmpo’s relationship with Milwaukee has steadily deteriorated over the past year.
According to Charania, the Bucks engaged in trade discussions before the February deadline after Antetokounmpo informed the franchise he believed it was time for both sides to move on.
The 31-year-old NBA superstar reportedly expressed interest in joining the Knicks last offseason before Milwaukee decided against moving him.
Now, after a disastrous 32-50 season that ended outside the playoffs and play-in tournament, the Bucks appear increasingly prepared for a franchise-altering decision.
“One of two things will happen: Either he will be extended, or he’ll be traded,” Bucks co-owner Wes Edens told ESPN earlier this year.
Rival executives believe Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination could ultimately shape the outcome more than pure assets.
“The conversation will be simple: Where does Giannis want to be moved and where will he sign long term?” one source involved in the situation told ESPN.
Lakers Could Enter Defining Summer if Sweep Becomes Reality
For now, the Lakers insist they are still fighting.
“Obviously, this situation sucks,” Reaves said. “But that doesn’t give us the license to quit.”
History suggests the odds are overwhelming.
Teams trailing 3-0 in NBA playoff history are 0-161 all-time.
If the Lakers’ season officially ends in the coming days, attention inside the organization may immediately pivot toward a potentially franchise-defining offseason pursuit.
And once again, Antetokounmpo could sit at the center of it all.
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