The Los Angeles Lakers plan to investigate every possible path to strengthen their roster this offseason, but league sources indicate the club is not viewed as a serious contender for Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Reporting from The Athletic’s Dan Woike on June 12, 2026, underscored that Los Angeles currently “doesn’t seem like a Giannis team.” Antetokounmpo, widely expected to be available after multiple years of trade speculation, is attracting interest from several franchises prepared to assemble aggressive proposals.
The Lakers can trade up to three future first-round picks, yet industry executives believe that package lacks the young, high-ceiling players Milwaukee is thought to be seeking. The gap grows if Los Angeles keeps guard Austin Reaves out of any discussions—an approach star guard Luka Doncic reportedly favors.
Even without a realistic path to Antetokounmpo, general manager Rob Pelinka faces a pivotal summer. Reaves, an unrestricted free agent, is pursuing a maximum contract. The Brooklyn Nets are expected to present such an offer, while the Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons could clear sufficient cap space to compete, driving up the cost for the Lakers to retain the 27-year-old guard.
Meanwhile, LeBron James can enter free agency as he contemplates a 24th NBA season, adding another major decision to the front office’s agenda.
Antetokounmpo’s market is likely to intensify in the coming weeks, but current indications suggest the two-time MVP is more likely to land elsewhere than in purple and gold.
Source: Lakers Nation
