The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the NBA world in February as they acquired Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick. While many expected them to make a deep postseason run, that was not the case as they were eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games.
Their focus has now shifted to the offseason where they will look to build their roster around their newest superstar -- primarily by acquiring a big man to provide size and rim protection. While the Lakers have mostly been linked to role players, the biggest name that is expected to be available this summer reportedly has interest in joining the franchise.
Speaking on The Zach Lowe Show, one NBA insider suggested that Los Angeles could be among the preferred destinations of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
"Does Giannis ask out? If he does, does he have a list? I poked around a little bit a few days ago and the initial thing I got from one person was just like some rumblings that it’s already just the big cities," The Ringer's Howard Beck stated on Tuesday. "It's one of the L.A. teams or one of the New York teams or maybe Miami, not a big market, but a glamour market, mid-size market. I think they threw Chicago in there. I can’t remember if Houston came up, it should. So first is like where does Giannis want to go and do they honor that? Because again, back to Damian Lillard, you’re not obligated to honor it. The second piece is then what does the bidding war look like?"
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Antetokounmpo has not publicly commented on his future, however, many people in basketball circles expect him to ask for a trade after three consecutive first-round exits. While the Lakers have traditionally been able to acquire stars, they would likely need some help in getting the two-time NBA MVP to Los Angeles.
More specifically, the Milwaukee Bucks star would likely have to force his way to the team. The Lakers' best package would likely be centered around Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, however, they would only be able to offer one first-round draft pick.
While other teams would be able to offer significantly more draft capital, Antetokounmpo's reported desire to play in a big market could help Los Angeles. The nine-time All-Star has spent his entire 12-year career with the Bucks after they selected him 15th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft.
Antetokounmpo, who turned 30 last December, is coming off yet another strong season where he is expected to have his seventh consecutive top-four finish in MVP voting. He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 60.1% from the field.
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