It might be time to put an end to the Los Angeles Lakers-Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors, at least for now. During a live stream with IShowSpeed, Giannis said he'll "probably" remain with the Bucks, and that he "loves" Milwaukee. Of course, that sentiment could change, but when it comes to the Lakers, it's clear what outcome they're rooting for.
Antetokounmpo could become a free agent as soon as 2027. He has a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28 that he could decline. Los Angeles could be crossing its fingers, hoping that it will have a chance to go after Giannis if he hits the open market.
The Lakers entered the offseason with a focus on prioritizing financial flexibility for the future, which ultimately led to Dorian Finney-Smith leaving for the Rockets for a four-year deal. As Sam Amick of The Athletic noted, both LA teams are preparing to make what they hope will be a big splash down the road (subscription required). That could be Nikola Jokic, who will also be a free agent in 2027 if he doesn't sign an extension with the Nuggets, or it could be Giannis.
The latter is the more attainable of the two players. Jokic told Denver he won't sign an extension this summer, but he'll be eligible to sign for more money next offseason, so the alarm bells aren't ringing for the Nuggets. They have been for the Bucks, though.
Lakers have their eye on making another big move in the future
Los Angeles' luck reached a peak at the beginning of the year when Luka Doncic landed in the Lakers' lap. They didn't have to mortgage their future to get him, not at all. Their focus is on Luka, who turned 26 in February, not LeBron, who is 40 years old.
It makes sense for LA to prioritize future offseasons, although it could mean losing LeBron. Their moves so far this offseason haven't exactly mirrored what a potential contender should be doing. It could all be worth it if another star finds their way to the Lakers.
Giannis might enjoy living in Milwaukee, but what he wants is to win another title. The Bucks are in a weakened conference, but they haven't put themselves in a position to win a championship. Maybe Giannis will ask out midseason, or be traded next summer after not signing an extension.
Lakers fans might not be satisfied with how this summer has gone, but hopefully, the wait will be more than worth it. Giannis in Hollywood would be quite the prize.