Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka
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Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka during a press conference in June 2024
As the trade deadline passed, it became increasingly clear that the Los Angeles Lakers were prioritizing the offseason as their primary opportunity to make meaningful roster upgrades.
Much of that outlook depends on LeBron James’ future. With James set to enter unrestricted free agency, the Lakers are projected to have roughly $51 million in cap space this summer, even after accounting for Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
While Reaves is widely expected to remain in Los Angeles, James’ situation remains uncertain amid ongoing retirement speculation and reported internal tensions.
If the 41-year-old does depart, the Lakers would gain significant financial flexibility to reshape the roster and pursue elite talent.
One name, in particular, continues to surface in connection with their long-term plans.
Lakers Preparing Aggressive Pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo
While the Lakers have reportedly shown interest in restricted free agents such as Peyton Watson and Tari Eason, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin has indicated that the franchise is also prepared to pursue a superstar-level replacement for James.
Antetokounmpo has been widely identified as their top target.
McMenamin previously reported that the two-time MVP is viewed as the “big prize” this offseason and that Los Angeles “would be one of the teams on a very short list if the Bucks star asks for a trade out of Milwaukee.”
The Athletic’s Sam Amick reinforced that expectation on Thursday, reporting that the Lakers are preparing an aggressive push.
“To see Antetokounmpo embrace the All-Star spotlight as he did over the weekend was to wonder how much the nonstop hype surrounding him might impact his market a few months from now,” Amick wrote. “Take the Los Angeles Lakers, for example, who are known to be planning an all-out pursuit of the Bucks’ big man in the summer.”
The Lakers’ ability to make such a move could improve dramatically in the coming months. After holding limited tradable draft capital at the deadline, Los Angeles is projected to control three tradable first-round picks by draft night, in 2026, 2031, and 2033.
That expanded flexibility would provide the front office with significantly more leverage in trade negotiations.
Lakers Could Play Major Role in Shaping Giannis Trade Market
Prior to the trade deadline, teams such as the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks were widely viewed as the most serious potential suitors for Antetokounmpo, though no deal materialized.
NBA insider Marc Stein suggested that if Antetokounmpo’s situation remained unresolved into the offseason, the landscape could shift, creating an opportunity for the Lakers to emerge as a serious contender.
Stein noted that Los Angeles’ projected cap space would allow the franchise to pursue an “expensive star” such as Antetokounmpo, or another elite player should one become available.
The Lakers’ broader plan is believed to center on re-signing Reaves and continuing to build around Luka Doncic, positioning the team for long-term competitiveness regardless of James’ decision.
Reaves himself could become a pivotal figure in any potential blockbuster scenario. He will be eligible for a five-year, $241 million extension this summer, and while he could theoretically be included as a salary-matching component in a major trade. Such a move would require his approval, however.
Even if the Lakers ultimately fall short in their pursuit, their involvement could still have a significant impact on the market.
“Even if they ultimately fall short of landing him, that sort of well-publicized pressure typically signals to other suitors that they’d better be prepared to come with serious offers,” Amick added.
Whether they land Antetokounmpo or not, the Lakers appear poised to be at the center of one of the offseason’s biggest storylines as they position themselves to reshape the franchise’s future.