Lakers Looking To Add 1 More Major Star During Offseason
Lakers Looking To Add 1 More Major Star During Offseason
In an unexpected twist for NBA followers, the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as potential suitors for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo following their blockbuster acquisition of Luka Dončić.
The Lakers, who made waves by landing the five-time All-NBA guard Dončić this past winter, appear ready to pursue another superstar talent to create a formidable duo that could dominate the league for years to come.
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Reports from Bleacher Report suggest the Lakers might target Antetokounmpo as early as the 2025 offseason, despite how unrealistic this might seem. The Greek star continues to perform at an elite level with the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging impressive numbers in points, rebounds, and assists.
While significant obstacles exist to such a move, NBA analysts note that if Antetokounmpo were to demand a trade, the Lakers could potentially package salaries, young talent, and draft picks to bring the defensive powerhouse to Los Angeles.
Imagining A Mock Trade Bringing Giannis To LA
Recent rumors suggest the Lakers may pursue two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason. Any potential trade would significantly reshape the Lakers roster, requiring them to part with multiple key rotation players and draft assets.
A realistic trade package might look like this:
Proposed Trade Structure:
| Lakers Send | Bucks Receive |
|---|---|
| Austin Reaves | Giannis Antetokounmpo |
| Rui Hachimura | Tyler Smith |
| Dalton Knecht | |
| Jarred Vanderbilt | |
| 2031 First-Round Pick | |
| 2028 & 2030 First-Round Pick Swaps |
This would create a formidable big three of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Giannis. The Greek star could slot in at center as he continues into his 30s, creating a devastating pick-and-roll combination with his new teammates.
The financial implications would be complex. LeBron would likely need to exercise his player option at a reduced rate to accommodate Giannis’ contract. James has previously indicated willingness to take pay cuts for championship-caliber roster construction.
Rob Pelinka would face the challenging task of filling roster spots primarily with minimum contracts. The Lakers would retain some useful pieces like:
- Dorian Finney-Smith (valuable 3-and-D wing)
- Gabe Vincent (expiring mid-sized contract)
- Maxi Kleber (experienced frontcourt depth)
Milwaukee might demand greater draft compensation or prefer higher-ceiling young talent than what the Lakers can offer. Even with Giannis on a short-term deal, his immense value would create significant competition from other suitors.
The trade structure resembles what the Mavericks did to acquire Luka Dončić, mortgaging future flexibility for immediate championship contention. Lakers management would need to carefully consider the salary cap implications while ensuring enough depth remains to support their star trio.
Free agent targets like DeMar DeRozan could potentially fit into this scenario if willing to sign for less than market value to chase a championship. The allure of joining a Lakers team featuring LeBron, AD, and Giannis might prove compelling for veterans seeking a title.
Should this trade materialize, the Lakers would instantly become title favorites, though the roster construction beyond the star trio would determine their ultimate ceiling.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
