Getty
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on November 15, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Los Angeles Lakers might have a chance at trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer after a recent report. Sam Amick reported an extensive update on The Athletic about teams that he views as having a realistic chance to trade for Antetokounmpo in the offseason. Milwaukee Bucks’ management is preparing to field offers with the hopes of getting a star young talent back.
Amick said the following about the Lakers still having a chance at Giannis:
“What about the Houston Rockets, who signaled a disinterest in pairing Antetokounmpo with Kevin Durant in February but might change their stance if they get eliminated early? Ditto for the San Antonio Spurs … or the Los Angeles Lakers … or the Atlanta Hawks. Even the Celtics, who have the ‘Two Jays’ back now and look fully capable of winning it all, are known to have interest and are discussed in league circles as possible suitors.”
Antetokounmpo will be the most enticing name on the market and every team with a chance will likely want to enter discussions. Amick referenced the Lakers with the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, and Boston Celtics as teams that could be interested if they get eliminated from the playoffs earlier than desired.
This Goes Against Stephen A Smith’s Claims
Recent news before this report featured Lakers fans getting a bad update from Stephen A Smith and Jay Williams on First Take. Both ESPN personalities claimed that they heard Giannis doesn’t want to play in Los Angeles and implied he wouldn’t sign an extension with the Lakers.
Amick claimed that the Lakers and other teams have a realistic chance to trade for Antetokounmpo in the summer. However, they will likely have a harder road than most due to their future draft picks holding less value on a team led by superstar Luka Doncic.
Austin Reaves might be the most important trade chip since the Bucks lack draft assets to select their own star easily with a draft pick. A Lakers sign and trade to add free agent Reaves to their roster would give them a new star to build around. Los Angeles lacks other great assets to make Reaves the name that must get traded for a name like Giannis.
Lakers Postseason Will Dictate Their Future
Injuries to Doncic and Reaves will hurt the Lakers moving forward after the recent hot play increased their chances of playoff success. Reaves is expected to return for the postseason, but Doncic returning in the first round would be a big surprise.
Other teams like the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks would have better offers of young talent and valuable picks to offer. Giannis reportedly views the New York Knicks as his dream destination to complicate other teams’ chances.
The Lakers will have a long shot chance to acquire Antetokounmpo, but it is a positive sign that they still have a chance. Giannis and other major players on the market will be targeted by Los Angeles to improve their long-term future. Lakers management also hopes to retain LeBron James on a cheaper deal in free agency.
Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford
More Heavy on Lakers
Loading more stories