Although the Los Angeles Lakers aren't a viable suitor for Giannis Antetokounmpo, they're certainly paying attention to all the goings on surrounding Giannis' situation, which is likely to result in the Greek Freak landing with a new team in the next two weeks.
Why should the Lakers care about the Giannis Sweepstakes, if they themselves aren't directly involved? Well, for one thing, LA could stand to benefit from the consequences of a Giannis trade, possibly in the form of assets sent to Milwaukee (such as Kel'el Ware, if the Heat ended up getting Giannis) becoming available to the Lakers.
Secondly, the Lakers obviously wouldn't be too thrilled to see Giannis land with one of their Western Conference rivals. There's a reason early-offseason Giannis-Thunder buzz was terrifying, and thank goodness those rumors have been pretty much shut down. Still, other West contenders could surge ahead of the Lakers if they were able to add Antetokounmpo. That's what made a new update from NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required) so comforting to Lakers fans.
Wolves and Warriors reportedly aren't involved in Giannis trade talks
Fischer reported that neither the Minnesota Timberwolves nor the Golden State Warriors is involved in trade discussions for Giannis.
"Minnesota and Golden State were both prominent Antetokounmpo suitors in February when the Bucks briefly invited trade interest in their Face of the Franchise, but sources say neither team has factored into the Bucks' recent trade talks," Fischer wrote on Thursday.
An Anthony Edwards-Giannis duo is scary to think about
Let's face it, even Antetokounmpo teaming up with an aging Steph Curry would make Lakers fans feel some type of way. Assumedly, both Minnesota and Golden State would have found clever ways to assemble strong rosters around their new star duo if either team had acquired Giannis. But, if the status indicated by Fischer's reporting holds, Giannis won't be wearing a Wolves or Warriors uniform in 2026-27.
Lakers fans have other reasons to fear the Warriors
Golden State's interest in LeBron James, on the other hand, continues to grow by all accounts, and it's not outrageous to suggest that that interest is trending towards mutuality. James is familiar with Curry and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr from battling alongside both legends as part of Team USA at the Olympics. We also know that LeBron is close with Warriors big man Draymond Green. As such, the Warriors continue to annoy Lakers fans, even if Giannis rumors can be put to bed.
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