With the February 5 trade deadline approaching, Bill Simmons tossed out a bold scenario that would dramatically alter the NBA landscape, suggesting a blockbuster deal that swaps Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Simmons introduced the concept on the latest episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, presenting it as a bold, all-in move for Los Angeles as the trade deadline draws closer.
“Next one is just a straight one with the Lakers. It’s just Luka and Kleber’s expiring for Giannis.”
Simmons described the hypothetical as a clear statement from the Lakers, aimed at pushing all their chips in to maximize the championship window around LeBron James while keeping important complementary pieces in place.
Lakers get Giannis Antetokounmpo for Luka Doncic
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
“It’s just the Lakers saying f—k it and turning Luka into Giannis. Paying Reaves, keeping LeBron.”
Co-host Chris Ryan immediately pushed back on the proposal, questioning how realistic the idea would be from multiple perspectives.
Simmons admitted the idea was far from conventional, especially for Milwaukee, but suggested the Bucks could view Doncic as a short-term piece and use him to spark a bidding war across the league.
Mar 13, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) passes the ball over Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
“No, I want to talk it out. The part that makes no sense is Luka going to Milwaukee, but if you’re Milwaukee you do this now and you have two weeks to trade Luka. Remember when all the teams were mad last year? Remember last year, like Utah, they were like we have 17 picks, we would’ve traded all of them for Luka if we knew he was available. It’s like alright Milwaukee has now acquired Luka, here is the auction, lets go. You guys got two weeks to make us your best, and then they basically just shop him.”
For now, the Lakers continue to build around Doncic as the clear focal point of the franchise. The 26-year-old signed a three-year, $165 million maximum extension last August that includes a $57.7 million player option for the 2028-29 season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic this season
Nov 15, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) battle for control of the ball during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
In his first full season with Los Angeles, Doncic is putting together the most productive year of his career, averaging 33.4 points, 8.7 assists, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 46.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three over 35 games.
He is logging 36.4 minutes per night and has played a central role in the Lakers’ 26-17 record, which has them sitting sixth in the Western Conference.
The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo, whose name has often surfaced in trade discussions amid Milwaukee’s struggles, is in the first year of a three-year, $175.3 million extension. He is earning $54.1 million this season and holds a $62.7 million player option for 2027-28.
Jan 23, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Even with the Bucks sitting 18-25 and 11th in the Eastern Conference, Antetokounmpo continues to dominate, posting 28.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting career-best marks of 64.7 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three over 29.1 minutes per contest.
Although Simmons’ proposal is purely speculative, it highlights the uncertainty swirling around the league as the trade deadline nears and reinforces the idea that even the biggest stars may not be untouchable.