NBA fans awoke Monday morning to the prospect of a potentially game-changing 2025 Draft Lottery and two more vital playoff games. However, Shams Charania gave a completely different piece of information, revealing that Giannis Antetokounmpo is exploring a future outside of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, is anticipated to earn his eighth consecutive All-NBA First Team nomination this season. He may be in his 30s, but he’s still in his prime, placing third in MVP voting despite an underwhelming season for the Bucks.
His availability might shape the 2025 offseason, a summer when many possible contenders are eager to improve.
The Lakers, who were eliminated in the first round, are among those looking for ways to improve. While they lack the assets that other teams will throw at the Bucks, their unlikely acquisition of Luka Doncic has supporters excited about the possibility of adding Antetokounmpo to the roster this summer, with jersey swaps circulating on social media.
Another jersey swap demonstrates that Lakers fans believe anything is possible.
“Welcome to the Lakers, Giannis.”
“Lakers will take Giannis.”
“Warriors or the Lakers. He really only had two options. He needs some sun and beautiful weather in his life. Shams, I already said this a week ago.”
“Okay Giannis, how would you like to play with your childhood hero, the goat, and one of the finest European point guards under a killer psycho coach at the heart of Hollywood, aka the Los Angeles Lakers?”
This would be a fantastic move for the Lakers, but lightning does not strike twice. They landed Doncic as a result of a one-in-a-million chance that a disgruntled general manager would ship off a top-three NBA talent without allowing any other team to negotiate.
The Bucks have no future assets, so they must court the NBA to see what they can get if Antetokounmpo requests a trade. He wants his second title, and combining with Doncic and LeBron James next season may help him get there.
However, given the potential future assets that clubs like the Rockets and Spurs can throw at the Bucks, three selections and Austin Reaves will not suffice for the Lakers.
Given Doncic’s playing style, Lakers fans should expect a significant frontcourt addition, but it is unlikely to be of the same caliber as Antetokounmpo, probably the most consistent superstar of the last decade.
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