Following the close of the 2025-26 trade deadline, Giannis Antetokounmpo confirmed his commitment to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks for the rest of the season, despite interest from multiple teams attempting to negotiate with Milwaukee’s front office. Speculation has since shifted toward potential offseason moves, with the Los Angeles Lakers emerging as a prominent team pursuing the Greek star.
Reports have suggested that Giannis is attracted to playing in a major market, and the Lakers have been rumored to consider offering up to three first-round draft picks (2028, 2031, and 2033) in pursuit of a trade. Additionally, sources reveal that Antetokounmpo has long desired to team up with LeBron James, further fueling trade discussions.
The Lakers will aggressively pursue a trade for Antetokounmpo this offseason, and sources told Lakers Daily that Antetokounmpo has
“always wanted to play with and learn from LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer,”
Mathur wrote.
— Ashish Mathur, Lakers Daily
Potential for Giannis Antetokounmpo to Join the Lakers Next Season
While the Lakers are a key contender, reports also indicate that Giannis is considering collaborations with other star players on prominent teams, such as Bam Adebayo in Miami and Anthony Edwards in Minnesota. This diversity of interest means the possibility of a move to Los Angeles is not guaranteed, especially since Giannis lacks a no-trade clause to veto any potential deal the Bucks might pursue.
His contract is scheduled to expire after next season, which complicates trade considerations as teams may hesitate to acquire him without assurance of a long-term commitment. Even with ineligibility for this year’s MVP, Antetokounmpo continues to perform at an elite level, ranking among the league’s best in key statistical categories.
This season, the Greek forward is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, boasting a 64.5 percent field goal percentage and 39.5 percent from three-point range. He is set to earn $58.5 million in salary for the 2026-27 season, underscoring his high-value status in the NBA.
If the Lakers successfully negotiate a reduced contract extension for LeBron James, it could strengthen their appeal to Antetokounmpo by providing a foundation for a long-term partnership in Los Angeles alongside rising star Luka Doncic. Such a move may influence his offseason decisions and reshape the league’s competitive landscape.
