The Los Angeles Lakers stunned the NBA world by making the seemingly impossible happen they acquired Luka Doncic. At just 25 years old, the five-time All-NBA guard had recently led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most sought-after stars. Now that the Lakers have pulled off that blockbuster move, another question emerges: could they land yet another superstar? The idea of Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the team once felt unrealistic, but it has now become a reality.
Why Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Lakers is a Possibility
Speculation about Giannis’ long-term future with the Bucks has been intensifying despite his success in Milwaukee. He continues to perform at an elite level, averaging 30.2 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, but a trade appeared inevitable if the Bucks fell short of expectations. Although his contract extends through 2028, Giannis holds significant leverage over his future. If he decides to leave, the Bucks would have little choice but to trade him now or risk losing him for nothing in the 2027 free agency.
The Trade Details
The Lakers secured the two-time MVP by trading multiple key rotation players and draft picks:
Milwaukee Bucks Receive:
– Austin Reaves
– Rui Hachimura
– Dalton Knecht
– Jarred Vanderbilt
– 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
– 2028 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
– Giannis Antetokounmpo
– Tyler Smith
Although the Bucks might have drawn stronger offers featuring young stars with greater potential or more draft capital, Giannis’ contractual leverage and the risk of losing him for nothing made the Lakers’ package sufficient to finalize the trade.
What This Means for the Lakers
A Doncic-Antetokounmpo duo would pose a serious threat to the rest of the league. If LeBron James, approaching the final stretch of his career, agrees to a significant pay cut to make the move possible, the Lakers could assemble one of the most dominant trios in NBA history. With Giannis playing as a full-time center, the Lakers gain a distinct advantage. His versatility, defensive dominance, and transition skills complement Doncic’s elite playmaking and LeBron’s well-rounded game seamlessly.
Roster Reconstruction Challenges
The trade significantly weakens the Lakers’ supporting cast, as they part ways with Reaves, Hachimura, Knecht, and Vanderbilt. As a result, they must rebuild their depth primarily through minimum contracts and veteran signings.
However, they still have key role players like Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber, along with defensive specialist Dorian Finney-Smith. The Lakers’ front office now faces the challenge of aggressively assembling a roster filled with low-cost, high-impact players who can complement their new star trio.
Salary Cap and LeBron’s Potential Pay Cut
The biggest concern now is how salary cap constraints will impact the Lakers. If LeBron takes a significant pay cut in his next contract, he can help the team stay under the tax threshold and maintain financial flexibility. His decision could play a crucial role in maximizing the team’s championship chances. By accepting the largest possible salary reduction, James could give the Lakers enough cap space to add one or two key players to strengthen their rotation.
Are the Lakers the Title Favorites?
With Giannis, Luka, and LeBron on the same roster, the Lakers immediately emerge as one of the top contenders for the 2025-26 NBA Championship. However, their success will depend on how effectively they build a supporting cast around their stars. If they assemble the right pieces, the Lakers could be on the path to creating a dynasty that dominates the league for years.
