Lakers, Warriors likely face uphill climb in Giannis pursuit

The Lakers and Warriors are expected to explore potential trades for Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason.

Actually landing him may be another story entirely.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, neither Pacific Division contender currently appears positioned near the front of the line if the Bucks seriously move the two-time MVP.

That’s especially true for the Lakers.

Charania said on The Rich Eisen Show that Los Angeles is not expected to include Austin Reaves in any potential offer, which significantly limits what the Lakers can realistically put on the table.

“The Lakers expressed interest in Giannis at the deadline,” Charania said. “But my sense is [the Bucks are] going to get better in the marketplace than that.”

Beyond three future first-round picks and salary flexibility, the Lakers simply do not have many premium young assets available.

The Warriors at least have a little more draft flexibility and could theoretically include players such as Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody or even Jimmy Butler in trade discussions.

Still, Slater suggested Golden State is also viewed as a long shot at this stage.

“I think they’re not first in line, not second or third in line, really,” Slater said during a radio appearance on 95.7 The Game.

There’s also a growing sense the Warriors may pivot toward a more balanced roster approach instead of chasing another aging superstar.

“You don’t want to be loaded with 19-year-olds and 37-year-olds,” Slater said.

In other words, both the Lakers and Warriors are expected to make calls.

Whether either franchise can actually put together the type of package Milwaukee wants is where things get complicated.