Los Angeles Lakers fans would love for the franchise to keep alive their hopes for a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
While the Lakers boast a 23-12 record through 35 games, they, like the Golden State Warriors, must add a two-way phenomenon like Antetokounmpo to have any chance of representing the Western Conference in the 2026 NBA Finals.
Unfortunately, the latest bombshell trade news surrounding Antetokounmpo isn’t good for Luka Doncic and the Lakers.
"There will never be a chance, and there will never be a moment that I will come out and say, 'I want a trade,'" Antetokounmpo told the Athletic’s Sam Amick on Thursday. "That's not in my nature."
Without a definitive trade demand from Antetokounmpo, there’s no reason for the Bucks to explore the idea of parting with the NBA champion forward.
Due to ESPN's Shams Charania's early December report that the 31-year-old was considering a change of scenery, the Antetokounmpo-Lakers trade rumor came to life.
After all, it’s unlikely the Bucks aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, causing many to speculate that Antetokounmpo could soon force his way out of Milwaukee.
However, with Antetokounmpo publicly stating that he would never demand a trade from the 2021 NBA champions, it wouldn’t be surprising to witness him remain with the organization not only for the rest of the 2025-26 season but also for the foreseeable future.
Simply put, the Lakers shouldn't expect to acquire Antetokounmpo from the Bucks.
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