Ever since Giannis Antetokounmpo removed the Milwaukee Bucks-related stuff from his social media and reports emerged that he and his agent have begun exploring his future beyond Milwaukee, speculation has intensified about whether the “Greek Freak” is finally prepared to join a large-market franchise such as the Los Angeles Lakers. However, for the Purple and Gold to practically pursue a two-time MVP like Giannis, they would likely have to part ways with their most promising and optimistic young talent in Austin Reaves. This sacrifice, Robert Horry feels, might be heartwrenching yet ultimately necessary.
According to the seven-time NBA champion, generational talents like Giannis rarely become available, and when they do, teams must go above and beyond to acquire them.
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Horry thinks the Lakers should trade AR for Giannis
At just 27 years old, Reaves’s ascension has been nothing short of a “Cinderella” story in Los Angeles. From being undrafted, he has become one of the most reliable options for the team in just his fifth year, as evidenced by his averaging 27.8 points per game in the 2025-26 season. Beyond his numbers, AR brings accountability and bold leadership to the locker room, where he may not be the most vocal player, but can transform from playing second fiddle to scoring 40-point performances and single-handedly leading the team to wins.
Giannis, however, represents a different tier altogether. Averaging 28.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game this season, he remains arguably the best two-way forward in the NBA. Additionally, from Horry‘s perspective, considering how vulnerable the Lakers look defensively when both Reaves and Luka Doncic are on the floor, Giannis can be an automatic upgrade, so much so that his mere presence under the post can allow Luka to operate with more aggressiveness and freedom on the offensive end.
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“You talk about generational talents, and that’s what the ‘Greek Freak’ is,” Horry said on his podcast. “He’s a generational talent that can do so many things… everybody’s looking at the shining, what AR is doing right now, but have you seen this guy’s resume? MVP? (NBA) Champion? AR is making no defensive team anytime soon.”
The Lakers should not fall into this trap
That being said, while the idea of a Giannis and Luka superstar pairing looks enticing on paper, there are legitimate concerns from a basketball standpoint. Both players are ball-dominant and most effective with the offense flowing through them, and neither has built a reputation for willingly taking a consistent backseat. This is where Reaves’ value becomes even clearer. Much like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander benefits from the selfless presence of Jalen Williams in OKC, Doncic may be best served by a co-star who complements his style rather than competes with it.
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So while Horry is correct in pointing out that Giannis would be a significant defensive upgrade over Reaves, the trade-off is far from straightforward, especially when one realizes that Giannis has struggled to seamlessly operate next to another All-NBA talent in his career so far. So, as enticing as the prospect may be, the Lakers would have to carefully weigh whether sacrificing chemistry for star power is really worth it. Only time will tell if they are willing to pull the trigger on this one.
Related: “He could average 30” – Carmelo Anthony on LeBron James’ scoring in his 23rd season
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Dec 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.