The idea of pairing Luka Doncic with Giannis Antetokounmpo is one that would have anyone with interesting in seeing the Los Angeles Lakers succeed foaming at the mouth. However, an exit from the Milwaukee Bucks would reportedly have Giannis prioritizing a different major market: New York.
Shams Charania woke up on Tuesday and decided to steal the spotlight away from the looming decision with LeBron James involved. The Giannis rumor mill is alive and well, but the Lakers found themselves missing from a situation they would love to be involved in.
Charania wrote, "Several teams were discussed internally, but one emerged as the only place Antetokounmpo wanted to play outside of Milwaukee: the New York Knicks, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation told ESPN."
The ESPN insider mentioned Antetokounmpo's US representative fielded 'rampant interest.' There was a lot of 'serious due diligence' regarding what the best fits were for the Bucks superstar outside of Milwaukee. The Knicks were the squad.
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Charania added to his report by claiming the Knicks and Bucks did have discussions in August surrounding an Antetokounmpo trade, according to his sources. The two sides never got the traction needed for a deal to materialize.
One more important note from Charania suggested the Knicks offer for Giannis had to have been a pretty strong one, considering the discussions did keep moving. Ultimately, the NBA insider concluded that the Bucks were not 'serious about entertaining' the idea of a trade for their franchise superstar right now.
The latest report brings forward a mixed bag for the Lakers and anyone who wants to see Antetokounmpo in purple and gold. The bad news is the Knicks appear to be the clear frontrunner in the sweepstakes, should Giannis get moved. The good news is the situation stalling provides plenty of opportunity for that fact to change.
Antetokounmpo would provide a clear solution to the Lakers' current two-timeline problem. However, the franchise needs to be put in the position the Knicks are currently enjoying.
With a limited asset pool available for trades, the Lakers need to be the destination Antetokounmpo is prioritizing and insisting on being dealt to. Without that help, Rob Pelinka's best bet would be to hold out hope for the 2027 free agency class when Giannis could be available.
Antetokounmpo in Los Angeles has always been a bit of a long shot. However, it is one that many are not willing to fully give up on, especially after the improbable circumstances that gave the franchise a much-needed reset with Doncic.