Los Angeles Lakers: Kostas Antetokounmpo works out with L.A.
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to show they are leaving no stones unturned this offseason.
In preparation for a crucial offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers have not been shy about exploring their options.
Given the fact that the team holds next month’s 25th and 47th picks, they have been giving a lot of potential prospects the chance to showcase their talents. Among those is Dayton product Kostas Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo worked out with the Lakers on Wednesday.
For those who may be turning their heads right now, yes, Kostas is the younger brother of Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. In fact, via Bill Oram of The Orange County Register, Kostas is fourth in line among five brothers.
From an on-paper standpoint, it is hard not to get goosebumps as a fan. Giannis is a guy who was just named to the All-NBA Second Team. Thus, it begs the question as to whether Kostas has any traces of his older sibling within him.
To some degree, that statement is actually true when anatomy is considered. The Bucks’ franchise superstar stands at 6-foot-11, whereas Kostas is listed at a mere inch below that mark.
Despite that truth, Kostas scoffs when others think he and Giannis are similar, especially when playing styles are mulled over.
According to Oram’s piece, Kostas had the following to say regarding the comparisons.
"“I’m just different,” said Kostas, who left college after one year at Dayton to declare for the NBA Draft. “Everybody’s a different person. We don’t play the same game, I feel like I shoot the ball more than him and he plays more going downhill. I play going downhill too, but he likes to go downhill more to shoot the ball.”"
While Kostas’ remarks may not instantly provide a rush of adrenaline, it is hard to knock his honesty.
Hannah Withiam of the New York Post recently shed light on one key difference between the two. Kostas’ college averages reveal that he is not a scoring threat like Giannis. According to her, the former averaged just 5.2 points a night at Dayton.
Granted Kostas may not be imbued with the scoring abilities Giannis carries, it is important to readdress the similar body compositions. Thankfully for Kostas, that asset makes him an interesting prospect to think about.
As Matthew Moreno of Lakers Nation exhibits, Kostas’ length could make him a pest on the defensive side of the ball. In a similar way, the Greek Freak’s brother likewise understands the benefits that derive from having such a long frame.
"“I feel like a lot of bigs right now are having a hard time guarding multiple spots. I’m trying to guard multiple spots,” Kostas explained."
Such a commodity is certainly a plus for anyone to be able to boast. Namely for the Lakers, giving Kostas a deeper look may be important given their own predicament.
Julius Randle is not a lock to come back to Los Angeles, via his agent. In 2017-2018, Randle also proved he is more than capable of guarding bigs or guards. That being said, if Randle signs elsewhere, the Lakers will lose a major defensive stalwart.
Giannis’ younger brother is by no means a highly coveted product. Conversely, he is more of a dark horse candidate at best, making it curious as to whether the Lakers would consider him for their 47th pick.
Although that is true, that is not going to stop Kostas from working on his craft. Words from President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson on Wednesday likely influenced that train of thought as well.
Following his workout, Kostas told the media what the Lakers’ legend told the young man, via text from Oram.
"“He told me that he liked what he’d seen out there and just keep working hard and be able to read the game,” Antetokounmpo said."
If an NBA team likes Antetokounmpo enough, he would be the third member of his family to make it to the pros. Thanasis Antetokounmpo momentarily played for the New York Knicks in the 2015-2016 campaign. Thanasis made two appearances for New York that season.
Albeit the odds may be stacked against Kostas, he should not be entirely discounted. It is valid to assert that he is a very raw ballplayer at best. However, his build and potential as a rim protector could be more than transferable at the NBA level.
Next: 5 Possible outcomes for the Lakers in free agency
It is basically a guarantee his game is never going to be like Giannis’ or anything of the sort. Nevertheless, Kostas appears to be fine with being an underdog, so to speak. Frankly, it could work in his favor and increase his drive to get better as a player.