An NBA executive outlined a fascinating scenario that could help the Los Angeles Lakers land Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The two-time league MVP made headlines last week during an interview with Tania Ganguli of the New York Times, when he made it clear that he would only re-sign with the Bucks if they showed commitment to building a championship contender around him.
Giannis’ comments have naturally fueled recent trade rumors, with LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers being mentioned as a potential suitor. Speaking to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, an NBA executive explained how the Lakers could pair Antetokounmpo with the greatest player of his generation:
“I don’t see (the Lakers) getting LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Giannis all together on a team. Either LeBron is retired at that point or you swap out Giannis and Davis. Davis is a Chicago guy, he was open to a trade to Milwaukee before. Davis, when he is healthy, is not really much behind Giannis and some would argue he is ahead of him.
“It’s just the health. If the Lakers wanted Giannis, they’d have to convince Milwaukee AD is healthy, then make the trade. It is just too much money to try to sign him in free agency, if LeBron is still there.”
Last month, the Lakers handed Davis a lucrative three-year extension worth $186 million. With Davis and LeBron James still dominating, the Purple and Gold may not feel the need to significantly alter their roster.
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But if there’s a scenario that allows them to acquire Giannis, the Lakers should definitely be open to it. The 2021 NBA Champion is arguably the best player in the world right now, not to mention he’s less injury-prone than Davis.
Of course, the odds are extremely low that Milwaukee will want to trade Antetokounmpo as long as they remain in title contention. Quite frankly, a trade wouldn’t make sense until next summer at earliest.
