The NBA trade deadline has brought big news, but the league's biggest domino may still be standing – Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks superstar continues to be the subject of speculation, and while a mid-season trade seems unlikely, the Lakers are quietly emerging as a legitimate contender for the former MVP this offseason.
Milwaukee is in trouble going into the 2025-26 season, which will only fuel further debate about Antetokounmpo and his long-term future.
As the Bucks struggle to remain competitive, multiple teams have begun constructing potential trade offers in hopes of acquiring one of the league's most dominant franchises.
However, the timing of any move could be crucial, especially with the Lakers expected to have more flexibility after the season.
“No one is talking about the Lakers as a factor in the Giannis lottery right now because they wouldn't be a factor if the trade happened over the weekend,” Markstein said.
“They don’t have enough tradable assets to add seasonal bidders.
“But if the Bucks ultimately decide to continue the legend into that spring…
League sources say the Lakers will indeed become a serious threat to compete for No. 34 by then.
Heading into Thursday's deadline, the Lakers have no choice but to be patient and avoid deals involving any long-term salary in order to maintain maximum flexibility in the spring. The hope for the Purple and Gold is to use their considerable projected salary cap space to be able to trade for a contract like Antetokounmpo's — or another expensive star if freed after the playoffs — to pair with backcourt cornerstones Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves (who returns to the league). After missing 19 due to injury, game (Tuesday night in Brooklyn)) dealing with the Lakers in this situation would almost certainly save the Bucks from an unnecessary contract hit.
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