The Los Angeles Lakers may be quietly preparing for one of the biggest trade moves in recent NBA history. According to multiple insiders, the franchise could “swoop in” on the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes if the Milwaukee Bucks decide to part ways with their two-time MVP.
While the New York Knicks have long been rumored as Giannis’ preferred destination, the Lakers are reportedly lurking in the background with a potentially massive future package that could shake up the league.
The buzz began after the Bucks’ disappointing early playoff exit and Giannis’ cryptic comments about his future. Though trade talks with the Knicks reportedly stalled, insiders like Jovan Buha suggest the Lakers are keeping their options open.
“The Lakers were positioning themselves as a future cap space team,” Buha said, “but after EuroBasket and some intel on big-name availability, they’ve shifted toward being open to longer-term deals”.
That shift could be strategic. With LeBron James nearing the end of his career and Luka Dončić now emerging as the face of the franchise, pairing him with Giannis would instantly create one of the greatest duos in NBA history. The Lakers are believed to be stockpiling assets, young talent like Austin Reaves and Dalton Knecht, plus future first-round picks, to make a compelling offer when the time is right.
However, timing is everything. Giannis would need to remain with the Bucks through the 2025–26 season for the Lakers to assemble the full package necessary to entice Milwaukee. Until then, LA’s front office appears content to make short-term roster moves while keeping their long-term sights set on a potential blockbuster.
While Giannis has not publicly expressed interest in joining the Lakers, the ambiguity surrounding his future leaves the door open. If the Bucks falter again or Giannis grows frustrated with the team’s direction, Los Angeles could emerge as a surprise contender in the trade race, ready to pounce with a deal that could redefine the NBA landscape.
