Lakers Hit With Strong Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Warning After Playoff Exit

Is it time for the next Milwaukee Bucks MVP to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers? History tells us it’s already happened once.

Over 50 years ago, the Lakers acquired a 28-year-old face of the NBA by the name of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 

From there, the Lakers ripped off another dynasty, winning five NBA championships being captained by The Captain himself and Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson. 

Fifty-one years later, the Lakers are looking for upgrades to the roster to contend with the NBA’s elites. They have an all-world point guard, a slam-dunk Hall of Famer someday, running the show. 

Now they perhaps just need someone to run with him on fast breaks as these Lakers continue an attempt to revive a semblance of Showtime.

With a second round playoff exit fresh in mind, let the trade speculation rage on.

Go All-Out for Giannis Antetokounmpo?

He’s the hottest name on the block right now. He’s a former NBA MVP in his prime, itching to relocate to a contender. 

Are the Lakers the answer to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dreams? Is the 31-year-old Milwaukee star the answer to the Lakers’ dreams?

GettyLuka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on November 15, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Los Angeles has long been a hit destination for marquee superstars. Antetokounmpo certainly fits that billing. 

But is going after the two-time MVP a move the Lakers should consider? 

According to Los Angeles Times writer Mirjam Swanson, it would only be a “disaster.”

“The Lakers have stockpiled cap space and picks — as of draft night, they’ll have 2026, 2031 and 2033 first-rounders to offer — like they’re doomsayers outfitting a bunker,” Swanson wrote in a subscriber-only post. “If they fill all that available cap space with Antetokounmpo’s salary, they won’t be using it on LeBron James or Rui Hachimura. The Lakers likely also will have to empty their cupboard of those first-round picks. 

“And, yes, it would be a disaster to dedicate all of that to an aging Antetokounmpo instead of doing the work to build a suitable army of role players to take on OKC’s corps — and to orbit Doncic, the guy who the Lakers already brought in to save the days ahead.”

Milwaukee Star Officially on the Chopping Block

GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Giannis Antetokounmpo , Two-time NBA MVP and NBA champion of the Milwaukee Bucks coaches during the Celebrity Game during 2026 NBA All-Star at The Kia Forum on February 13, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images)

Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have been in a yearlong tailspin. But it appears that is finally coming to an end. 

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Bucks are seeking trade offers for Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks won the 2021 NBA title, but from there things have gone downhill. The heavily-decorated Antetokounmpo, still widely regarded as a top player in the Association, has long looked ready to be moved to another team.

According to reports, the Lakers were among several teams that contacted the Bucks about a potential trade for Antetokounmpo ahead of the February trade deadline. 

One can only assume if the Lakers tried then, they would try at least one more time this summer. 

L.A. is starved for a young, athletic two-way wing; Antetokounmpo is starved for the bright lights and the opportunity to get back to playing meaningful basketball. 

But, as is always the case when mapping out a trade for a heavy-hitting superstar, the machinations behind a deal for Antetokounmpo would be complex. The Lakers front office would likely have to gut much of its remaining depth and future draft capital to even begin constructing a realistic package.

The Lakers have Luka Doncic as the face of the franchise. They will do whatever it takes to appease Doncic by putting talent around him on the roster. 

From trades to the futures of LeBron James and Austin Reaves, the Lakers have plenty to sort out over the summer months.

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