Giannis Antetokounmpo could be the centerpiece of a dramatic offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team stayed quiet at the trade deadline, only adding Luke Kennard while trading Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, February’s inactivity was just the calm before the storm. With over $50 million in cap space, the Lakers are preparing for a bold offseason aimed at landing the Bucks superstar.
The Lakers could make a big splash this offseason. Assuming Rui Hachimura and LeBron James hit free agency and Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart opt into their contracts, L.A. is projected to have around $51 million in cap space. The team could use that either to sign a reliable 3-and-D wing or to pursue a superstar-level addition.
“They need to get as many defenders with length that can knock down a shot as possible,” an Eastern Conference executive relayed to McMenamin.
The first option appears almost necessary, considering how the Lakers have struggled to defend the perimeter, particularly with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves handling the backcourt.
The Lakers package for Giannis Antetokounmpo
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
This offseason, there will be plenty of players who fit the Lakers’ needs. Andrew Wiggins will hit free agency, as will Tobias Harris, Quentin Grimes, and Dean Wade. Wade and Grimes may come at a lower cost compared to Wiggins and Harris, but they also lack the same level of experience and established performance.
Even so, the Lakers remain on the hunt for elite talent, and few players are bigger draws than Giannis Antetokounmpo if the Milwaukee Bucks are open to a trade. Los Angeles could put together a package featuring three future first-round picks, potentially including a sign-and-trade involving Austin Reaves.
March 6, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts toward Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
“[They could] just say, ‘F— it,’” and go all-in on Giannis,” continued the anonymous Eastern Conference executive.
Any team would jump at the chance to add Giannis Antetokounmpo, so it’s no surprise the Lakers are interested. But this is the Lakers, a franchise that always chases star power. When a player like Giannis becomes even remotely attainable, fit becomes secondary. Acquiring a generational talent in his prime is rare, and landing two would be almost unheard of.