If the Los Angeles Lakers wanted to be real players in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, they needed it to extended into the offseason. The good news for all those who want to see that union happen, that is exactly where this situation appears to be going.
Shams Charania reported, "The Milwaukee Bucks have indicated to teams that they are keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo through the trade deadline and will start making other trades, sources tell ESPN."
Jake Fischer also backed up that idea. One of the NBA insider's sources told him the Bucks were 'never serious' about an Antetokounmpo trade before this year's deadline.
Things keep breaking in the Lakers' favor here. Their window to acquire Giannis opens up in the offseason. Their ability to actually put together a package that would interest the Bucks will be much stronger once June and July are here and the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes resume.
Giannis staying put until the offseason gives the Lakers a perfect setup
Why is it so important for the Lakers that Antetokounmpo's trade is getting delayed? There are several reasons.
The first major aspect is the cap flexibility. Having a max slot available does not just mean they can be players in the upcoming free agency period. It also means the Lakers are better suitors for Giannis when negotiating with the Bucks.
The financial freedom allows the Lakers to not force unwanted players and deals on Milwaukee just for the sake of matching Antetokounmpo's large $58.5 million cap hit for 2026-27. That is an immediate win. Staying patient and calculated suddenly becomes much more rewarding.
Furthermore, the Lakers will have the extra draft capital available in negotiations now. Any deal for a player of Giannis' caliber requires healthy compensation in future assets. Los Angeles does not have a ton at this moment. That much will improve in the summer (assuming the Lakers do not deal any of their first-round picks before 12 p.m. PT).
Then, there's the Austin Reaves factor.
While the Lakers could certainly provide a fruitful trade package to the Bucks without including AR15, a potential sign-and-trade would really put things over the top. Mind you, Reaves would need to be a willing participant in that scenario.
Giannis will also have more leverage in picking his next team once the summer arrives. Should the Bucks superstar tell his franchise that heading to Hollywood is a priority, that will mean a whole lot more.
Whatever what you slice it, a pipe dream just got a slightly more realistic for the Lakers.