Since Giannis Antetokounmpo removed Bucks-related content from his social media and reports emerged that he and his agent are exploring options beyond Milwaukee, speculation has intensified over whether the “Greek Freak” is ready to join a major-market team like the Los Angeles Lakers.
To realistically pursue a two-time MVP like Giannis, the Purple and Gold would likely have to part with one of their brightest young talents, Austin Reaves. Robert Horry views this move as difficult but ultimately necessary.
The seven-time NBA champion explained that generational talents like Giannis rarely hit the market, and when they do, teams must go all out to secure them.
“You talk about generational talents, and that’s what the ‘Greek Freak’ is/ He’s a generational talent that can do so many things,” Big Shot Bob remarked in his podcast.
“Everybody’s looking at the shining, what AR is doing right now, but have you seen this guy’s resume? MVP? (NBA) Champion? AR is making no defensive team anytime soon.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo for a trade package involving Austin Reaves?
Feb 9, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) defends Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) as he drives to the basket in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Austin Reaves has emerged as a force in Los Angeles, turning his journey from undrafted rookie to star into a true “Cinderella” story.
At 27, he has become one of the team’s most reliable contributors in just his fifth season, averaging 27.8 points per game in 2025-26. Reaves combines accountability with fearless leadership in the locker room, and while he may not always be the loudest voice, he can step up from a supporting role to put up 40-point performances and carry the team to victory on his own.
Giannis operates on a completely different level. Averaging 28.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game this season, he is arguably the best two-way forward in the NBA. From Horry’s perspective, the Lakers’ defensive vulnerabilities when both Reaves and Luka Doncic are on the floor make Giannis an instant upgrade.
Nov 15, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
His presence in the post would free Luka to attack the offense with more aggression and freedom, elevating the team on both ends of the court.
Pairing Giannis with Luka may seem attractive on paper, but it comes with clear basketball challenges. Both stars thrive as focal points of the offense and perform best when the ball runs through them, and neither is known for consistently deferring to others.
While Horry is right that Giannis would provide a major defensive boost over Reaves, the trade-off is complicated, particularly given Giannis’s history of struggling to fit seamlessly alongside another All-NBA caliber player.