The Los Angeles Lakers will enter the upcoming offseason with roughly $50 million in salary-cap space, a figure that already includes the cap hold for unrestricted free agent Austin Reaves. That financial flexibility positions the franchise to pursue elite talent—and one name has quietly risen to the top of its wish list: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, team officials are convinced the Lakers would be among only a handful of destinations the Milwaukee Bucks forward would consider should he ask to be traded. A Western Conference executive echoed that sentiment, telling ESPN the two-time MVP is viewed internally as the organization’s primary target if Milwaukee entertains offers this summer.
Contract Details and Timeline
Antetokounmpo, 31, is owed $58.5 million for the 2026-27 season and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. He becomes eligible to sign an extension on Oct. 1. To date, the All-Star has not requested a move, and the Bucks have given no public indication they would consider a trade absent such a request.
Lakers’ Potential Offer
If Antetokounmpo does seek a new home and includes Los Angeles on his preferred list, the Lakers could offer three first-round picks along with three pick swaps as early as draft night. A sign-and-trade built around Reaves could also be explored, though that scenario would require the guard’s approval and Milwaukee’s interest.
Long Odds, Ample Flexibility
League insiders still view a Lakers-Bucks deal for Antetokounmpo as a long shot. However, L.A.’s ample cap space allows the front office to pursue the superstar without compromising its broader roster-building plans.
Doncic Endorsement
Current Lakers star Luka Doncic recently added to the franchise’s recruiting pitch, praising the club as “a truly legendary organization” and calling its infrastructure superior to what he experienced with the Dallas Mavericks.
The Lakers now wait to see whether Antetokounmpo explores his options—knowing they believe they will be in the conversation if he does.
Source: Lakers Nation
