The Los Angeles Lakers may be shifting focus from long-term roster gambles to short-term, win-now maneuvers, and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade situation has emerged as a key factor in the recalibration. While Milwaukee’s superstar has been primarily linked to the New York Knicks, insider Jovan Buha suggested the purple and gold could pivot if other options fall through.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo has left the door cracked open, but we’ve since had the reporting that Giannis’ preferred destination was the Knicks, not the Lakers,” Buha said. “I wonder if the Lakers’ recent shift toward a short-term or win-now mode is maybe in part due to Dončić’s success at EuroBasket, but more so maybe gaining intel that some of the big fish they were hoping to catch are not as available as they thought.”
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Knicks Preferred, But Deal Could Stall
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ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Knicks were “the only place Antetokounmpo wanted to play outside of Milwaukee,” prompting trade discussions. However, those talks “never got traction,” with both New York and Milwaukee reportedly skeptical about the other side’s seriousness. That uncertainty creates a potential opening for the Lakers.
“So if, for whatever reason, that can’t happen and Milwaukee refuses to play ball with New York because they don’t want to trade him in-conference, then the Lakers can swoop in and potentially offer a competitive package,” Buha explained.
Lakers Trade Rumors: Trade Flexibility
From a strategic standpoint, Los Angeles could leverage a combination of draft picks and current roster assets such as Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dalton Knecht. “They will have three draft picks as of next summer. Could you do something with Austin and three picks, and Dalton and Rui? Could you get in the mix for Giannis with that package? Maybe,” Buha said. He also cautioned that teams with higher draft capital could outbid LA, noting that success would hinge on Milwaukee’s priorities.
Why the Lakers Might Move Now
With LeBron James entering the final season of his deal and Luka Dončić assuming a leading role, the Lakers have an incentive to maximize short-term competitiveness. A strong start could justify aggressive, win-now trades, particularly with a generational talent like Antetokounmpo, whose 30-point, 12-rebound, 6-assist 2024–25 season underscores his transformative impact.
Whether Giannis stays in Milwaukee or LA make a bold move, the franchise’s approach signals a blend of opportunism and careful planning, balancing immediate contention with long-term vision.