This offseason could be explosive for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they may attempt to land two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. One NBA insider has revealed where the Lakers stand on acquiring the ‘Greek Freak,’ with LA among the few teams on the shortlist to acquire him.
Lakers Position Themselves as Landing Spot for Giannis Antetokounmpo in Offseason Shake-Up
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers “believe they would be one of the teams on a very short list if the Bucks star asks for a trade out of Milwaukee.”
“A Western Conference executive told ESPN he believes Antetokounmpo is the “big prize” the Lakers hope to land, should the Milwaukee Bucks decide to trade the 2021 NBA Finals MVP in the offseason.”
The Lakers believe they would be one of the teams on a “very short list” of preferred destinations if Giannis Antetokounmpo asks for a trade, per @mcten
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— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) February 17, 2026
The 2026 offseason is set to make or break the future of the Los Angeles Lakers, as they face major decisions and await their outcomes. Superstar guard Austin Reaves is eligible for a max contract for five years and $241 million, while LeBron James will be a free agent.
James is being paid $52.6 million this season, and if he leaves or retires, it will free up a huge amount of cap space to bring in a superstar. The Lakers will have three first-round picks available to trade – 2026, 2031, and 2033, and a $51 million projected cap space, according to Bobby Marks.
The $51 million cap space is projected without James and assuming DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart pick up their player options. The Lakers would center an offer around their three first-round draft picks, which could appeal to the Bucks as they may look to rebuild away from the Greek superstar.
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Having only won one NBA championship in his storied career, it’s no secret that Antetokounmpo wants to join a team that wants to win now. The Lakers have the player to match up with Antetokounmpo that would make for the most devastating partnership in the NBA: Luka Dončić.
Dončić is leading the NBA in scoring (32.8 PPG) and is third in assists per game (8.6). A partnership of Antetokounmpo’s all-around ability and Dončić’s offensive flare would make them instant contenders. He has made it clear the Lakers don’t need to rush to win a championship immediately, but the pressure would be on instantly if they acquired the ‘Greek Freak.’
Antetokounmpo earned his tenth All-Star appearance this season, averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in a struggling Bucks team. The Lakers have a plethora of options and decisions to make this offseason, so what do you think Rob Pelinka and the front office should do?
