The Los Angeles Lakers are always looking for their next superstar. It helped them land Luka Doncic before the trade deadline to be their latest in a lengthy list of basketball greatness. The Lakers still have LeBron James as his running mate, but the king cannot play forever. Disappointing first-round playoff exits may force both LA and Milwaukee to shake things up, and the Bucks have the best player available in Giannis Antetokounmpo.
This feels like a natural crossroads. Giannis is under contract through 2027 with a player option for the 2027-28 season, but the Bucks do not have enough talent around him. Damian Lillard’s torn Achilles likely sidelines him for the entire 2025-26 campaign. Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Kevin Porter Jr., and Gary Trent Jr. can all become free agents this summer. Antetokounmpo wants to chase championships, and it feels like that time is over in Milwaukee given their limited talent and lack of draft capital to improve.
The Lakers would be all-in, but what can they offer? The Bucks have no reason to tank because they do not control their own draft picks over the next half decade, which could open the door for LA. Austin Reaves would be the headliner of the Lakers' best possible offer.
Lakers best realistic offer gives Bucks a chance to stay competitive
Giannis is set to make $54.1 million next season, and the Lakers are just $4.3 million under the first tax apron without a full roster. LA does not want to send out more than they get back to prevent from being hard-capped at the first apron. This deal likely involves a third team, but the Lakers would effectively part with following to get Giannis.
The Lakers have whoever they select with their 2025 2nd-round draft pick to add to this package. It is light on draft capital for the Bucks, who don’t own for their draft selections until 2031.
Because of that, Milwaukee may try to contend without Giannis. Austin Reaves would be a borderline All-Star in the East with four solid role players joining him from LA. Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, and Maxi Kleber could all be pieces that help the Bucks reach the postseason in 2026.
This is a dream scenario for the Lakers. The Greek Freak said he wants the European superstars to take over the marquee markets after Doncic came to LA. Was he foreshadowing his own arrival? Antetokounmpo would have interest if he decides to leave Milwaukee, but convincing the Bucks to take less to send him to the Lakers won’t be easy.
Expect the Los Angeles Lakers to make their best offer. It likely is not enough for the Bucks, but this is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Every team will bid for the two-time MVP’s services if he becomes available. The time may be now, and it will be a league-altering move.
Lakers fans are dreaming of getting lucky again. Maybe their best offer will be enough to create another superteam. If any franchise can do it, the Lakers are the one.