Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks is quickly becoming one of the biggest questions hanging over the NBA. With Milwaukee sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference at 17-24, league-wide speculation is growing about whether the two-time MVP could push for a move before the trade deadline or wait until the offseason.
Even as the Bucks struggle, Antetokounmpo continues to deliver elite production, averaging 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, numbers that only heighten the sense that his prime may be slipping away on a flawed roster.
The Herd reports that Pelinka declined 20 offers for Reaves in the past year, and allegedly said ‘he’d only trade him in a package for Giannis or Jokić.’
This must really bother LeBron and Rich Paul, because it’s clear Pelinka is planing for a future without LeBron on the twam. pic.twitter.com/k18V4lHdxc
— SLO HOOPS FAN 🇸🇮 (@SloHoopsFan) January 18, 2026
That uncertainty has already caught the attention of teams around the league, including the Los Angeles Lakers. According to NBA analyst Jason McIntyre, the Lakers have quietly positioned themselves to stay flexible in case Antetokounmpo becomes available.
Will the Bucks say yes to a package with Austin Reaves for Giannis Antetokounmpo?
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
McIntyre reported that Rob Pelinka and the Lakers have turned down roughly 20 trade offers for Austin Reaves over the past year, with the front office only willing to include him in a deal for a true franchise-changing star, specifically Giannis or Nikola Jokic.
“There are reports out there that the Lakers have turned down, wait for it, 20 offers in the last year for Austin Reaves. The report goes on to say Pelinka is only interested in dealing Reaves in a package for Giannis [Antetokounmpo] or [Nikola] Jokic. I mean, I did laugh when I first heard that,” reported the NBA insider.
For the Lakers, the logic is simple. If Antetokounmpo hits the market, they want to be ready with a package that can compete. Reaves, who is in the middle of a career-best season, would almost certainly be part of any serious offer.
May 18, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) celebrates in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game two of the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
That stance underscores just how highly the Lakers value Austin Reaves. The 27 year old is averaging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.0 steal, and 0.2 blocks per game in 2025 26 while shooting 50.7 percent from the field.
While Jokic appears firmly entrenched in Denver with no signs of unrest, Antetokounmpo’s situation is far less stable. As the Bucks continue to slide, his name looms over the league as the potential domino that could reshape the NBA landscape.
If that moment arrives, the Lakers are one of several teams prepared to act, and any deal would revolve around Giannis as the prize.