Giannis Antetokounmpo has taken over headlines around the league in recent days after reports surfaced suggesting a possible parting of ways with the Milwaukee Bucks could be on the horizon.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo is “ready for a new home,” a shift that has caught the attention of teams around the league, with several franchises already making what he described as aggressive inquiries about the two-time MVP.
Charania also noted that the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors are closely tracking the situation. Still, another less obvious contender could be waiting in the wings.
The Ringer’s Howard Beck suggested the Los Angeles Lakers are a team to watch if Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks truly becomes uncertain.
Is it possible for Giannis Antetokounmpo to join the Lakers?
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
“I was told recently that the Lakers were a team to keep an eye from Giannis’ standpoint just as another team of interest,” the NBA insider commented during his appearance at the latest episode of the Zach Lowe show.
“But, again, there’s a difficulty there in terms of trade assets. They’re another team where, once the summer comes, they got more on the draft capital side of things and they got more clarity once they figure out where LeBron is or isn’t and where Austin Reaves is because he’s a free agent.”
The Bucks are said to be prioritizing an elite young player along with a sizable collection of draft picks in any trade involving Antetokounmpo. Based on those expectations, the Lakers appear to face an uphill battle.
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
The Lakers currently hold just one first-round pick it can move and would have to lean on expiring contracts, along with second-year guard Dalton Knecht, whose trade value multiple reports have labeled as limited.
Austin Reaves could be part of the discussion in theory, but with him widely expected to decline his option and hit unrestricted free agency this summer, he likely offers limited appeal to Milwaukee.
If nothing gets settled by February 5, the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation could spill into the summer, setting the stage for a broader and far more unpredictable bidding war.