The Los Angeles Lakers coulddive headfirst into a trade for Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and offer a competitive package, according toJovan Buha. The Lakers will have three negotiable first-round picks and three pick swaps in the next offseason.
Teams are looking fondly toward the 2027 offseason, when names like Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Antetokounmpo could become free agents. Franchises want to maintain their flexibility at the highest level to have some chance of landing one of the stars or another impactful name.
The Giannis and Jokic Watch for 2027 NBA Free Agency
Jan 29, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors are teams that may try to get Giannis Antetokounmpo if he becomes available. However, not many of these teams seem likely to have a real chance of winning.
Giannis is 30 years old and has played 13 seasons in the NBA. The Nets drafted several 19-year-olds. If they want a superstar, they should target Anthony Edwards from the Minnesota Timberwolves, who shares the same career stage as the young players.
Why Giannis Will Not Be a Los Angeles Laker
Mar 13, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Multiple teams can offer better deals. For this to happen, Giannis would need to push to join the Lakers. If the reports about his wife and kids moving to Greece are true, LA would place him as far from them as possible.
The Lakers should use their resources to strengthen the team around shooting guard Austin Reaves, point guard Luka Doncic, and small forward LeBron James as long as he stays. It makes more sense to have two stars supported by strong role players.
Jan 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gestures during the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
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