The Los Angeles Lakers reminded the NBA of the reality of their existence ahead of the 2025 trade deadline. Just when it seemed as though options were scarce, Los Angeles swapped franchise player Anthony Davis for superstar guard Luka Doncic.
It was a stunning deal that put the Lakers back in a position to become a top destination for free agents and superstars looking to be traded.
It's a truth that has effectively defined Los Angeles' existence as a franchise. The Lakers famously acquired the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Shaquille O'Neal, and have made a habit of ensuring that history repeats itself.
A new target may have emerged after Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn't want to leave the Milwaukee Bucks, but will prioritize winning.
.@ShamsCharania provides the latest intel on Giannis and his future with the Bucks ✍️ pic.twitter.com/C95lCmBmDM
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 20, 2025
It may not be immediate, but the Lakers could have a long-term opportunity to build a European superteam by pairing Antetokounmpo with Doncic.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic: Future Lakers teammates?
Perhaps this is another example of Lakers writers and fans irrationally thinking that every big name will want to come to Los Angeles. No franchise has ever been better at adding superstar talent through free agency and trades, however, and there's only so much subjectivity in that claim.
In addition to Abdul-Jabbar, Chamberlain, and O'Neal, the Lakers have signed or traded for the likes of Anthony Davis, Pau Gasol, LeBron James, and Doncic.
Considering the Doncic trade was completed less than a month ago, it's safe to call this a more realistic possibility than some might presume. Doncic is a 25-year-old superstar with five All-NBA First Team nods, a scoring title, and a trip to the 2024 NBA Finals on his résumé.
Undisputedly among the best players in the Association, it stands to reason that Doncic could lure other top-tier players to Los Angeles.
For Antetokounmpo, his desire to win would seemingly align with becoming teammates with Doncic. Antetokounmpo is one of the most dominant forces in NBA history, and has proven to be at his best alongside a perimeter teammate who can create offense at an All-Star level.
Doncic would check that box with a permanent marker and create what would have a strong case for being the best star duo in the NBA.
The important context here is that the book hasn't yet been written on what the future holds for Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. The team could still make noise in the 2025 NBA Playoffs and complete moves during the offseason to sell him on staying.
As the 30-year-old looks to maximize the remaining years of his prime, however, the Lakers will be as relevant as any team in the NBA in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes.