Giannis Antetokounmpo could end up with the Lakers if he isn't traded this season and stays in Milwaukee long enough for L.A. to build a trade package, or if he personally pushes for a move to Los Angeles.
Despite the perennial rumors linking superstars to Los Angeles, the chances of the Lakers trading for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo appear slim.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo
MIN: 28.99
PTS: 29.13 (64.2%)
REB: 10.31
As: 6.25
ST: 0.94
BL: 0.94
TO: 3.19
GM: 16
According to NBA reporter Jovan Buha, the current buzz suggests New York is the preferred destination, while teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder or Houston Rockets possess far superior trade assets.
"In general, I think it's unrealistic based on what's been out there," Buha stated regarding an LA deal. "Based on what I've heard, it does seem like New York is the preference."
However, the door isn't entirely closed. Buha outlined two specific developments that would need to occur to shift the odds in the Lakers' favor:
1. Timeline must shift:
The Lakers simply cannot compete with rival offers during the current trade cycle. Their best hope is that Antetokounmpo remains in Milwaukee through the 2025-26 season.
Waiting until the summer or the 2026-27 season allows the L.A. Lakers to aggregate three first-round picks to package with players like Austin Reaves (potentially via sign-and-trade).
2. Giannis must force the issue:
Because the Lakers lack blue-chip prospects compared to teams like OKC or San Antonio, they cannot win an open bidding war.
The only way a deal happens is if the "Greek Freak" utilizes his leverage as a franchise icon to demand a specific destination.
"The two ways this equation changes in the Lakers' favor are... One, Giannis does not get traded this season... And two, he decides that the Lakers are on the list," Buha explained.
He added that without Antetokounmpo internally applying pressure, the trade logic falls apart, given the Lakers' limited assets.
"It has to be him nudging them, pushing them to get them to trade him to LA," Buha said. "There's really no logical reason for them to trade him to LA [otherwise]."
Credit AP – Scanpix
NBA insider Jake Fischer previously reported that Antetokounmpo considered teaming up with Luka Doncic in Dallas or joining the Miami Heat back in 2020.
This past summer, Giannis was reportedly intrigued by the idea of joining the Knicks if a trade became necessary. That interest sparked weeks of discussions between New York and Milwaukee in August.
According to ESPN, the Knicks submitted offers, but nothing gained traction, and both the Bucks and Antetokounmpo ultimately moved on.
Giannis is under contract through the 2026–27 season, with a player option for 2027–28.
The 31-year-old is currently out with a right calf strain, but despite the ongoing speculation, Milwaukee continues to view him as untouchable.
Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.