The Los Angeles Lakers (17-6) are surging in the Western Conference, largely thanks to Luka Dončić’s leadership. The team has won nine of its last 11 games, including a recent victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. While LeBron James has taken a step back in production, Dončić and Austin Reaves are carrying one of the league’s most potent offenses.
Yet, the Lakers’ defensive shortcomings remain apparent — a weakness that could make them a potential player in any blockbuster trade involving Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Behind-the-Scenes Push From Dončić
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Reports suggest Dončić has actively pushed the Lakers’ front office to explore a trade for Antetokounmpo. According to Fox32 Chicago’s Lou Canellis, “A few months ago, Giannis wanted to be traded… His first choice was the Knicks… The Lakers inquired and Luka Dončić himself inquired.”
Antetokounmpo’s camp has reopened talks with Milwaukee amid the Bucks’ 9–13 start, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting that “Conversations have started. A resolution is expected in the coming weeks.” Despite this, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers sought to quell speculation: “Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever. This is out because we’re not playing well.”
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The Trade Landscape: Lakers vs. Knicks
The Knicks remain the frontrunners for Antetokounmpo, though mock four-team trades show a potential role for the Lakers. One scenario suggests Los Angeles could acquire defensive stalwart OG Anunoby and sharpshooter Doug McDermott, sending draft picks and role players to other teams.
Reporter Jovan Buha cautioned about the challenges: “You have to explore it. But the ideal construction is Austin [Reaves] on a max contract plus the three picks… I’d want a 22-year-old blue-chip prospect plus multiple picks, and the Lakers can’t currently offer that.”
Dan Woike of The Athletic described the scenario as “found money,” emphasizing that a Giannis acquisition would require significant alignment of circumstances.
Why the Lakers May Struggle to Land Giannis
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Several factors limit Los Angeles’ ability to realistically pursue Antetokounmpo:
Salary constraints: Austin Reaves’ $13.9 million contract falls far short of Giannis’ $54.1 million salary.
Limited draft capital: LA owns only one first-round pick this season, with restrictions on trading multiple picks in-season.
Asset requirements: Milwaukee would likely demand a blue-chip young star alongside picks, something the Lakers cannot currently offer.
Former NBA player Chandler Parsons told FanDuel TV, “The Lakers have nothing that the Bucks will want for Giannis… I just don’t see the pieces coming back to equal Giannis… don’t see this happening.”
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Other Potential Moves
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While a Giannis trade appears unlikely, the Lakers are still exploring other roster upgrades. They have been linked to Miami Heat wing Andrew Wiggins, a former NBA champion known for his perimeter defense, as well as New Orleans Pelicans wing Herb Jones and Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford.
LA’s front office, led by Rob Pelinka, is reportedly balancing short-term roster upgrades with long-term cap planning for 2027, when several star free agents could hit the market.
The Lakers’ Evolving Identity
Regardless of feasibility, Dončić’s push for Giannis highlights a new era in Los Angeles — one where the team is willing to pursue high-risk, high-reward moves to compete at the very top. Until then, the Lakers remain focused on realistic trades that strengthen both offense and defense while maintaining flexibility for future superstar opportunities.
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