We’re still months away from the end of the 2024-25 season, but trade rumors and offseason scenarios are already dominating the conversation. And as usual, the Los Angeles Lakers are right in the middle of it.
Few teams have a better track record of landing superstars. After Kobe Bryant, they pulled in LeBron James, swung a deal for Anthony Davis, and somehow managed to pry Luka Doncic away from the Dallas Mavericks. At this point, it’s hard to rule out anything when it comes to the Lakers chasing the next big fish.
Could Giannis Antetokounmpo be the next star on their radar? Trade speculation in Milwaukee has cooled as the Bucks have settled in after a rough start to the season. But if Antetokounmpo ever decides he wants out, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus believes the Lakers could jump at the opportunity.
“The Lakers already landed a dream target in Luka Dončić, but the franchise is greedy. If Antetokounmpo demands out, a combination of salaries, talent and picks could get him to Los Angeles. It’s a stretch, but it’d be remiss to leave him out if this is a team’s wish list.
Otherwise, LA is less likely to send out key players like Reaves, Hachimura, etc. Instead, look for the franchise to target a center with Knecht as bait—similar to the failed Mark Williams deal with the Charlotte Hornets (the Lakers didn’t clear Williams’ physical).”
