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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 09: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts on the sidelines during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on January 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers have had interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they may be able to acquire a star as the third team in a trade. A busy offseason is expected this summer with many teams looking to make trades and upgrade their rosters for title contention. Antetokounmpo has viewed the New York Knicks as a dream target in the past, and many expect the Milwaukee Bucks to finally trade him.
Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk reported that OG Anunoby could be a Laker if they can get in a Giannis three-team trade:
“Anunoby to the Bucks does not make a great deal of sense either. The Knicks’ defensive ace is tailored to be a key supporting piece on a title team. Being the lone star in Milwaukee would be an odd fit. This is where the Lakers come into the picture.
Los Angeles does have aspirations of building a champion around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Anunoby would be the perfect type of player to aid that duo. If the Lakers know Antetokounmpo does not want to come to Los Angeles, helping keep him in the Eastern Conference is just as rewarding for them.”
Lakers fans would be ecstatic to get one of the best defenders in the league on the roster to improve their weaknesses. Anunoby has helped the Knicks become a contender and impacted winning basketball to increase his value.
What Would The Lakers Give Up?
Milwaukee would want younger talents and draft compensation from any teams in a trade for their franchise player. Antetokounmpo is still an easy top five basketball player in the world and would clearly help a team contend if they have enough pieces around him.
Both the Lakers and Knicks lack a strong singular trade package that would see a three-team deal here to see multiple assets offered. Dalton Knecht and Kobe Bufkin could be on the move as younger talents with upside. The Lakers also offer expiring contracts of names like DeAndre Ayton and Jarred Vanderbilt to give the Bucks cap flexibility.
However, the scenario would require Giannis to make it clear that he wants to go to the Knicks above any other team. The Bucks holding loyalty to Antetokounmpo could realistically see them trading him to his desired location, and the Lakers have a chance to benefit.
Why OG Would Be The Perfect Laker
Anunoby has developed a reputation for being arguably the best “three and D” player in the entire league. Every NBA team is looking to add players who can defend at the highest level and hit open outside shots.
The Lakers will try to find players that fit this mold due to their weaknesses of lackluster defense this season. Players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves need strong defenders to make up for their flaws on the defensive side.
General Manager Rob Pelinka will have a lot of money to spend and can easily enter trades with cap space available. Anunoby would be one of the dream targets for the Lakers as they badly look to find wing players who can shoot the ball offensively and anchor a defense.