Offseason trade proposal sends Giannis Antetokounmpo to Lakers

One NBA writer proposed that the Los Angeles Lakers acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason. 

Spencer See of ClutchPoints proposed the following trade idea between the Lakers and Bucks: 

Lakers receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr.

Bucks receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, Shake Milton, Jaxon Hayes, 2026 First Round Draft Pick, and 2025 Second Round Draft Pick

“Given that Giannis is the current face of the franchise and an MVP-caliber superstar, the Bucks are going to get everything they can out of his exit,” Lee wrote. “Should the Bucks push through with parting ways with the Greek Freak, it’s a no-brainer that Milwaukee will be keen on getting some building blocks in return. And for the Purple and Gold, that could mean giving up key rotation players like Reaves, Hachimura, Finney-Smith, and Hayes. Losing all of those players will certainly reduce the Lakers’ depth big time. Reaves, Hachimura, DFS, and Hayes have proven that they’re a great fit alongside the duo of  James and Luka. Parting ways with any of these role players could be a huge risk to take. But at the same time, it’s also pretty tempting to pursue another generational talent like Giannis.

“Giannis would be aiming to take his talents to a contender. With the Lakers led by James and Luka, forming a big three with those future Hall of Famers will increase his championship chances. In addition to this, the bright lights of Los Angeles and its big market should easily entice the Greek Freak to wear the Purple and Gold. Furthermore, the addition of Gary Trent Jr. should not only even out the salaries, but his two-way play should come in handy.”

The Lakers shocked the NBA world when they acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February. 

If Los Angeles finds a way to acquire Antetokounmpo from the Bucks, NBA Twitter might break for good. 

One of the greatest players in NBA history, Antetokounmpo is averaging 30.5 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists this season. He has spent his entire career with the Bucks. 

Milwaukee signed Antetokounmpo to a three-year, $175 million extension in October 2023. 

Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns. However, Milwaukee has struggled in the postseason since then. 

The Bucks lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2022 playoffs, the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2023 playoffs and the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. 

The Lakers would be title favorites if they had Antetokounmpo, Doncic and LeBron James.

However, the odds of this trade idea happening are very, very low.