Do the Los Angeles Lakers have a sensible probability of touchdown Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer time?
On Monday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the Milwaukee Bucks ahead is “open-minded” about enjoying elsewhere for the primary time in his profession. A possible Lakers-Antetokounmpo commerce might hinge on whether or not the 2020-21 Finals MVP desires to play in L.A.
On a Monday episode of “Get Up,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said the Bucks will need a number of draft picks to enter rebuilding mode. Milwaukee has only one choose (No. 47 within the second spherical) within the 2025 NBA Draft.
“So ideally, the Bucks need gamers, and they’ll need different groups’ picks,” Windhorst stated. “There are a number of groups who’ve this precise package deal, together with San Antonio, Houston and Brooklyn.”
The Lakers have only one choose (No. 55 within the second spherical) within the 2025 draft. They lack draft capital however do have stars.
L.A.’s roster options ahead LeBron James and guard Luka Doncic. Forming a trio with these fellow standouts might enchantment to Antetokounmpo.
“Might Giannis are available and say, ‘I’m going nowhere however the Lakers?’ Sure,” Windhorst stated. “And if that occurs, that may improve it. However I do not assume the Lakers or the Knicks may make a suggestion that is within the prime 5 – 6. However as a result of Giannis probably has company on this, you then would say that his phrases matter lots.”
If Antetokounmpo stated he wished to play for the Lakers, L.A. would want to clear cap area for a possible extension. The 30-year-old is underneath contract till the 2026-27 season, with a $62.79M participant possibility for 2027-28.
Spotrac estimates the Lakers shall be $59.8M over the cap and $3.69M over the tax threshold this offseason. If James workout routines his participant possibility ($52.63M) earlier than the June 29 deadline, that may devour extra cap room.
To chop prices, the Lakers might embrace guard Austin Reaves and ahead Rui Hachimura in a commerce package deal. Subsequent season, Hachimura has the staff’s third-highest cap hit ($18.26M), and Reaves has the fifth-highest ($13.94M).
Buying and selling for Antetokounmpo may show tough for the Lakers. Nonetheless, after consecutive first-round playoff exits, they have to make massive strikes this offseason. Buying a participant of the Greek star’s caliber may very well be the most important.
