In the event that Giannis Antetokounmpo were to become available via trade, several teams, particularly those located in major media markets, would likely be mentioned as potential destinations. This, of course, includes the Los Angeles Lakers.
While all three organizations would undoubtedly have an interest in acquiring a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber, the feasibility of such a move remains a significant question.
The Lakers, for example, recently executed a transformative trade, acquiring Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis at the trade deadline. This acquisition of Doncic has established a clear championship vision for the franchise that extends beyond the eventual retirement of LeBron James. In a hypothetical scenario, akin to a video game transaction, the front office would almost certainly pursue a trade for Antetokounmpo to unite him with Doncic and James.
Los Angeles Lakers Proposed Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
Clutch Points analyst Brett Siegel recently proposed a realistic trade that would give the team the best chances of landing the MVP, although he does admit it is a long shot.
“The Lakers’ financial situation is complicated, regardless if James restructures his contract by opting out. Los Angeles also has access to only a couple of first-round picks in trade talks. Essentially, the Lakers’ package would consist of Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Gabe Vincent. That won’t get the job done for Giannis compared to what other teams could offer, and it would leave them without any bench.”
Bringing the three of these MVP-caliber players together is obviously tantalizing, but there is also a world in which James departs at the end of the season, which would change the complicated financial situation.
Regardless of Los Angeles’s situation, the competition for Giannis will be fierce with several teams having already expressed interest in trading for a star, including the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs.