The Los Angeles Lakers are actively exploring trade options ahead of the 2026 NBA deadline, focusing attention on veteran Draymond Green as talks about Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future intensify. Although the Lakers currently seem unlikely to acquire Antetokounmpo, new reports suggest they could participate as a third team in a deal involving Green and the Golden State Warriors.
Reports indicate the Warriors favor trading Draymond Green rather than Jimmy Butler if they pursue a deal for Antetokounmpo. However, Green does not wish to remain in Milwaukee if traded there. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has highlighted a possible mutual interest between Green and the Lakers, which could make Los Angeles a logical destination for the four-time NBA champion.
Exploring Mutual Interest Between Draymond Green and the Lakers
On the show Get Up, Brian Windhorst emphasized the strong possibility of both parties being open to a trade.
“If he were traded, his plan would not be to remain in Milwaukee. He would want to be moved on. A team that would be possible if he were traded… the Los Angeles Lakers would be a team he would have interest in and they would have interest in him,”
Windhorst explained, adding that this scenario depends on the Bucks taking steps with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
While the Lakers have dropped out of immediate contention to acquire Antetokounmpo by the trade deadline, they remain a viable option to negotiate for Green, especially since he does not want to stay in Milwaukee. The proposed three-team trade could see the Lakers sending young talent to the Bucks, while Golden State absorbs most trade assets. This arrangement would benefit the Lakers as they add a proven veteran defender familiar with championship success.
Draymond Green recently shared his thoughts on potentially joining the Lakers alongside LeBron James, highlighting a longstanding desire to play with the league’s all-time leading scorer. Speaking to Melissa Rohlin of the California Post, Green said,
“I’ve always wanted to [play with him]. Saying I wanted to go to his team, that’s not the case. I’m very comfortable in my situation with 30 [Curry] and what we’ve built and what we have. But I think him and Steph shared the want to take the court together, and they got the opportunity to do that in the Olympics in Paris. I’ve always wanted the opportunity. Just to experience it, to see how he thinks, to see, all right, what I could do to help him and his thinking. Or what can I learn and pick up about what he’s thinking?”
Despite their competitive history on court, Green and LeBron have developed a strong friendship off it, making this potential reunion all the more intriguing. If Antetokounmpo does join Golden State, Green’s future in the Bay Area could be limited, increasing his likelihood of landing in Los Angeles.
Lakers’ Status in Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Discussions
Currently, the Lakers are not among the teams aggressively pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline. NBA insider Shams Charania has not named Los Angeles as a contender with a compelling offer or ongoing talks with the Bucks. However, the Lakers remain in consideration should the Bucks opt to delay a deal until the offseason.
Marc Stein, another well-regarded NBA reporter, pointed out the Lakers’ position in the Giannis sweepstakes, stating,
“No one is talking about the Lakers as a factor in The Giannis Sweepstakes right now because they’re not a factor if a trade is going to happen by week’s end. They don’t have enough tradeable assets to join the in-season bidders.”
Yet, Stein added,
“But if the Bucks do ultimately decide to take this saga into that spring … The Lakers, league sources say, would then indeed become a very viable threat to land No. 34.”
This prospects hinges on the Bucks’ timeline, as Los Angeles retains more flexibility with multiple first-round draft picks available for trades during the summer, unlike the deadline’s more limited options.
The Lakers have a solid history of acquiring top-tier talent via trades and free agency, which makes them a plausible candidate to pursue Antetokounmpo later this year if the opportunity arises. Even as their immediate deadline ambitions falter, the offseason remains an open window to pursue the superstar forward.
Ongoing Trade Target Challenges and Cap Space Strategy
In addition to the Giannis uncertainty, the Lakers have unsuccessfully chased several other trade possibilities in recent weeks. Reports from Jake Fischer indicate that the team is prioritizing maintaining salary cap flexibility for the upcoming summer, rather than rushing into a deadline deal.
With this approach, the Lakers hope to position themselves advantageously for high-impact acquisitions when the market opens fully. Balancing short-term needs against long-term strategic options remains a complex challenge for the franchise.
Significance of These Trade Developments for the Lakers
The potential for Draymond Green to join the Lakers would bring a seasoned defender and playmaker with championship experience, aligning with Los Angeles’ goals of strengthening their roster for a deep playoff run. His interest in teaming up with LeBron James adds an emotional and competitive element to the trade discussions.
While the Lakers face obstacles in capturing Giannis Antetokounmpo before the deadline, maintaining flexibility preserves their chances to become a leading contender for his services this offseason. Both moves represent critical opportunities for the franchise to revamp its superstar core amidst a turbulent trade market.
As trade rumors evolve, the Lakers’ willingness to integrate Green and their positioning for Giannis will remain key storylines that could reshape the Western Conference landscape significantly in 2026 and beyond.
Draymond Green says he wants to experience playing with LeBron James
“I’ve always wanted to [play with him]. Saying I wanted to go to his team, that’s not the case. I’m very comfortable in my situation with 30 [Curry] and what we’ve built and what we have. But I think him and… pic.twitter.com/ZY0JUKXypB
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 3, 2026
The Lakers are a real threat for Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason if he isn’t traded by the deadline, per @TheSteinLine
“But if the Bucks do ultimately decide to take this saga into that spring …
The Lakers, league sources say, would then indeed become a very viable threat… pic.twitter.com/BIqHStRUJo— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 4, 2026
