Speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future has been swirling since the summer. Following the recent revelation that he is accelerating plans for a possible departure, rumors have also suggested that Luka Doncic has been encouraging the Lakers’ front office to pursue a deal to bring Antetokounmpo to Los Angeles.
The news sparked excitement among Lakers fans, fueling hopes that the Greek superstar might join Los Angeles. However, ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst notes that the Lakers’ only realistic path to acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo would be if he openly declares a desire to play for them, effectively pressuring the Bucks’ front office to accept their offer.
Brian Windhorst on the Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Lakers scenario
March 6, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts toward Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
“If Giannis said to the Bucks, ‘Trade me to the Lakers.’ He would be a Laker. But any other way, I don’t see how the Lakers do it because I don’t think the Lakers can win a bidding war,” the veteran NBA insider commented during his appearance on the Rich Eisen Show.
Any team that lands Giannis Antetokounmpo would instantly elevate its championship potential. He is currently putting up 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game while shooting 63.9 percent from the field, performing at an MVP-level standard.
“If it’s a bidding war where there are teams offering draft picks and players and stuff, I don’t know how long-winded you want me to go here, but the Bucks don’t control their next three drafts.”
Will the Bucks start their rebuild?
Dec 3, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) grimaces as he limps off the court after going down with an injury in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
“So the Bucks potentially starting a rebuild where they are like, ‘okay we’re going to we’re going to sink down and get that…’ doesn’t work because they don’t control their picks. So, the Bucks probably are either going to want real players who help them today in a trade, or they’re going to want draft picks from a third team,” Windhorst continued.
But Windhorst argues that the Lakers lack a trade asset capable of convincing the Bucks to accept a deal. Any potential offers from Los Angeles would not include their core stars, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks back during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
In the meantime, Giannis appears to favor staying in the Eastern Conference, with his representatives reportedly contacting only the Knicks and the Bulls. Both teams play in the same conference as the Bucks and do not seem willing to dismantle their rosters for Antetokounmpo.