As the trade rumors around Giannis Antetokounmpo continue to emerge, a particular destination seems to be getting the most mentions of all. No, it’s not the New York Knicks, it’s the Los Angeles Lakers. For a while, many thought that Antetokounmpo might end up at Madison Square Garden after reports of him buying a $14 million, 28-unit apartment complex in Brooklyn surfaced. However, LA seems to be in hot pursuit to bag Giannis for their roster.
Insider Jovan Buha reports that the Lakers are planning to target Antetokounmpo and have already started hoarding their future first-round picks for a shot at trading for the Greek Maestro in the summer of 2026. Fairly so, LA also suits Giannis’ preferences for his future destination, which insider Chris Haynes had earlier reported.
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Giannis wants a big-market team in a sunny location and a contender for the championship. No other team fits better than the Lakers, who are probably the biggest market in the league and are currently third in the West, well within championship contention. Having Giannis as a power forward would definitely be an upgrade for the Lakeshow, which currently relies on Rui Hachimura or Jaxson Hayes for this role.
The Lakers don’t have many draft assets to offer for Antetokounmpo. They might likely have to package a deal including Austin Reaves, as well as a couple of other mid-level contracts and a few other future picks and swaps. However, a deal for the Milwaukee Bucks star isn’t likely until summer, as the team will have a bit more certainty around the future of their stars, Austin Reaves and LeBron James. Also, summer is the perfect time to include other teams in this deal.
Who Should the Lakers Target for Trade?
While a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a lingering possibility, the Lakers are more reasonably focused on acquiring a 3-and-D specialist to address defensive deficiencies. Targets include New Orleans Pelicans wings Herb Jones and Trey Murphy, as well as Andrew Wiggins, though securing such talent would likely require sacrificing valuable assets.
Regarding the Pelicans duo, reports indicate that although the asking price has been too high, either would be a major plus on the current roster. Additionally, the front office has shown interest in Utah Jazz players Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler.
Internal roster dynamics are also under scrutiny, as the star trio of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves hasn’t been the best group on the floor this year. If Rob Pelinka decides to pursue a superstar like Antetokounmpo, Reaves is considered the most likely piece to be moved due to his high trade value. There’s almost a certainty that Reaves would be sent out in a deal for Antetokounmpo, or any other big-name player, for that matter.
Read more:
Amid Talks of Spurs, Knicks and More, Paul Pierce Reveals 1 Team Giannis Antetokounmpo Should Join
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