According to several league insiders, the Los Angeles Lakers are planning an all-in, soul-selling trade package in a desperate quest to acquire Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo—the two-time MVP and one of the most dominant forces the sport has ever seen.
There is nothing more remarkable than the time. The Greek Freak apparently lost faith in the Milwaukee Bucks after they were humiliated 4-1 by the Indiana Pacers in their first-round exit. According to people familiar with the matter, Giannis has already started having serious discussions regarding his future and the prospect of starting over somewhere else with Bucks management.
The Lakers’ audacious and calculating general manager, Rob Pelinka, is said to be planning to build the most powerful trident in basketball: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, and LeBron James.
Yes, you read correctly.
The Lakers are apparently willing to completely overhaul their squad in order to acquire Giannis, even if it won’t be simple. The package includes rookie Dalton Knecht, defensive ace Jarred Vanderbilt, starters Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, a 2031 first-round choice, and a 2026 first-round selection swap.
It’s more than just the trade pieces, though. Pelinka must also perform financial gymnastics to fit Giannis’ huge contract into the Lakers’ cap sheet. After finishing with a $48.7 million season, the Greek Freak owes $57.6 million in 2026, $62.2 million in 2027, and a $66.8 million player option in 2028. For one man, that’s almost a quarter-billion dollars.
However, the Lakers might find the risk worthwhile.
. Los Angeles would be the clear favorite to win the championship for many years to come if LeBron’s leadership, Luka’s playmaking, and Giannis’ unrivaled two-way domination were combined.
Naturally, Milwaukee still has all the cards because Giannis has a contract that expires in 2027. However, the most stunning trade in recent NBA history might occur if he demands out and the Lakers give the kitchen sink.
There’s no denying that the Greek Monster might not be a Buck for long. Additionally, Pelinka will wear gold and purple if he gets his way.
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