The Los Angeles Lakers have long been known as star hunters—and successful ones at that. With Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially hitting the trade block in the coming weeks, the Lakers are naturally assumed to have some level of interest, alongside most of the league. But what are the chances of the Lakers landing Giannis if the Bucks feel their hand is forced and the Greek Freak wants to don the purple and gold moving forward?
### Austin Reaves: The Starting Point
ESPN NBA Insider Ramona Shelburne recently highlighted a key name that would likely need to be involved in any potential trade: Austin Reaves.
“The Austin Reaves of it all is very interesting because if I’m Milwaukee, I demand him,” Shelburne said. “I wouldn’t do the trade without him. Do [the Lakers] want to do that? I mean, that’s a tough one, but that’s who [the Bucks] would ask for because you’re not going to get Luka. You got to get the next best guy, and that’s Austin.”
Reaves has emerged as a vital piece for the Lakers’ future, especially as LeBron James’ long-term status remains uncertain and the team isn’t willing to part ways with superstar Luka Doncic. Shelburne adds that the Lakers might have a better opportunity waiting in free agency next year, when they expect to have more cap space.
### The Price of Giannis
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s value to the Bucks is immense. As a multi-time MVP who was a strong contender for a third before his recent injury, he should command a historically significant return. When comparing Giannis to Reaves, there’s no question that Giannis is the more dominant player. However, the Lakers will have to weigh if Giannis is worth the cost beyond the sharpshooting guard.
The supporting cast and draft assets required to land Giannis would come at a hefty price. Additionally, Antetokounmpo is likely seeking a landing spot where he sees a long-term fit. But if push comes to shove, could he “Kawhi” his way through the next season and a half—playing on a short-term deal before free agency hits in 2027?
### Could Giannis Land a Short-Term Home?
Shelburne poses the big question: “Will there be a team that thinks they might be a Giannis away—one that he won’t extend with, that he doesn’t want to be on? Will there be a team that will do what Toronto did [with Kawhi Leonard], that would take a chance?”
She continues: “Will there be a team out there that thinks they can, and that is willing to take a chance on trading the farm for him now in the hopes that two years of him will be worth it for you?”
The Bucks are unlikely to trade Antetokounmpo to a situation he doesn’t want. On the other hand, teams may hesitate to offer a massive package knowing it might not yield a long-term return in fewer than two years.
### The Bottom Line
If Giannis is open to joining the Lakers and playing alongside Luka Doncic for several seasons, LA’s front office will certainly do what it takes to make it happen. Right now, the Lakers are doing well with Austin Reaves thriving both with and without Doncic in the lineup.
Nothing is concrete at the moment, but it seems the Lakers may have a better shot at making a Giannis-level move in free agency rather than pulling off a blockbuster trade before this year’s deadline.
Stay tuned as the story develops.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nba/lakers-giannis-antetokounmpo-trade-chances-revealed-11165945