The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer as the biggest name on the market. General Manager Rob Pelinka must figure out paths towards bringing back Austin Reaves and LeBron James in free agency, while also improving the depth with other free agents. A trade for Giannis would likely drastically change everything else on the team’s agenda.
NBA insider Brett Siegel reported the Lakers should be mentioned with the other interested teams:
“There will be no shortage of Giannis trade suitors this offseason, yet the two-time MVP holds more leverage now than he did in the middle of the season since he has a player option for the 2027-28 season. All three suitors from the trade deadline are preparing to pursue Giannis again, as are the Los Angeles Lakers, sources said.
Many other teams, like the Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, and Houston Rockets, could all get involved in the Giannis sweepstakes, should he be on the trade block, based on how their respective seasons play out in the postseason.”
Siegel’s report makes it clear that almost every team with NBA Championship goals will look to make their best offer for Antetokounmpo this summer. However, the Lakers getting named is relevant since they’ve been mentioned less than other teams in the Giannis sweepstakes.
Lakers Must Trade Popular Star To Get Giannis
The biggest question about a Lakers trade for Giannis comes back to what they can offer. Milwaukee Bucks’ management will want a combination of young prospects and future first round draft picks to improve their future if trading away a franchise cornerstone.
Austin Reaves will likely have to be included in the deal as a sign and trade due to the Lakers’ lack of options elsewhere. None of the younger players on the Lakers roster, like Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, hold much value on the trade market.
A combination of Reaves and multiple future draft picks would be needed for the Lakers to even have a chance. Milwaukee would invest in Reaves as the new face of the franchise. No other talents on the Lakers roster will make sense from a logical or financial perspective.
Lakers Remain Underdog In Giannis Trade Talks
Other teams just have more to offer than the Lakers will when the Bucks start fielding trade offers after the playoffs end. Giannis wants to contend for an NBA Championship, so it does make sense he’d want to team up with LeBron and Luka Doncic.
Unfortunately, the Lakers have little to offer beyond the superstar duo of Antetokounmpo and Doncic. The Miami Heat could send all their picks and multiple young assets, while still keeping enough talent to contend for a title.
One problem for the Lakers is that adding Giannis means they’ll have less money for other role players and will have to sacrifice one of their top three stars. Don’t expect the Lakers to have a strong chance at getting Antetokounmpo, but they are clearly trying to keep themselves in the race to pull off a miracle deal.
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