Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic — it sounds like the type of two-man game you work tirelessly to pair up in an NBA 2K rebuild. That dream duo becoming a reality for the Los Angeles Lakers is not impossible. That is what Jake Fischer thought, at the very least.
Fischer said this in an appearance for Bleacher Report: "Three teams that I do think will be involved [are] the [Toronto] Raptors, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Brooklyn Nets. ... The Lakers are the team that chases stars. ... Giannis had some interest in playing with Luka back in 2020."
The NBA insider said that was 'a situation Giannis had his eye on' when Doncic was still with the Dallas Mavericks. Granted, that was six years ago (wow, time goes by quickly). However, the path to teaming up with Luka is still there in 2026, and the duo would get to enjoy an even larger market now.
Giannis’ 2020 dream of teaming with Doncic could finally come true in Los Angeles
The Lakers stood pat with their assets, and will now have them available for the Giannis sweepstakes. As has always been said with this situation, Antetokounmpo would need to push for Los Angeles in conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks to truly help the pipe dream turn into reality here.
Fischer had no doubt in his mind the Lakers were going to call. They always call.
That conversation will probably have a better chance at success in the summer than it would now. The Lakers will have more access to draft capital when that time comes. If there was ever a moment to not be hesitant with it, a Giannis trade is certainly it.
Filling out a championship contender around two of the five best players in the NBA should not be a difficult task. When you have those that kind of talent in place, the heavy-lifting has been done already, and any free agency pitch should be easy.
Imagine telling role players in need of the spotlight and a future payday that they could feature their talents in the Los Angeles market alongside Doncic and Antetokounmpo. Do your part and the bank account will be loaded.
It is worth being cognizant of the fact that Giannis is 31 years old and having a campaign full of injuries. His athleticism is a big part of his game, and any concerns about that fading due to his bodily ailments are worth taking seriously. Albeit, maybe not to the capacity of Mark Williams.
Should the opportunity be there, the Lakers are unlikely to pass it up. If Giannis still wants to play with Luka in 2026, that much needs to be made clear to the Bucks, though.