Lakers News: Insiders List LA Among Top Candidates To Trade For Giannis Antetokounmpo

Antetokounmpo to LA may be heating up...

The Los Angeles Lakers have always been a landing spot for the biggest stars in the game. The glamour of Hollywood and the appeal of the Lakers brand have attracted star players to come wear the purple and gold.

While the team has two superstars right now, LA has to be thinking about the future. LeBron James only has a few seasons left, at most, so they need to look ahead. And they should be looking no further than directly at what is happening with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo has made some headlines lately regarding his future with the team. It seems that he could really leave them when his contract is up, or even sooner if he demands out.

ESPN analyst Ramona Shelburne spoke about some teams that should be watched going forward in regard to Antetokounmpo on The Lowe Post Podcast and the Lakers were among the top three suitors.

“I think the Lakers have to be in that discussion”

Per Ramona Shelburne on

The Lowe Post

Anytime a star player becomes available, the Lakers are always in the discussion, even if it isn’t plausible of a landing spot. But this one seems different than the others, because of where the team will be when he becomes available.

LeBron James will likely not be with the team any longer, or he will be on a smaller contract, and Anthony Davis will need a running mate. Antetokounmpo may be very intrigued with the idea of playing alongside someone like David, and opposing teams may scream if he were to land in LA.

Imagine the Lakers throwing out a roster with Antetokounmpo and Davis leading the charge. The defense alone would be one of the best units in the league, and the offense would be lethal as well. Teams wouldn’t be able to stop them inside the painted area, and if they surrounded them with some shooters, it could be game over for the other side.

The Lakers will also have some contracts to use in a potential trade with Milwaukee as well. Plus, they do have most of their future draft capital to use also.

“They have now some good contracts, of interesting young players that they either drafted or developed or signed as a free agent and developed. Looking at Austin Reaves there. There is Jarred Vanderbilt.”

Per Ramona Shelburne on

The Lowe Post

While LA may not want to part with Reaves, it could be fruitful if they can land Antetokounmpo. This may be one of the only moves that would get them to part with the young guard moving forward.

Let's also not forget the fact that Antetokounmpo is very familiar with head coach Darvin Ham, and he praised the Lakers when they hired him.

All in all, it remains to be seen what happens with the Bucks, but the Lakers have positioned themselves to strike if they want. Antetokounmpo and the Lakers do seem like a potentially realistic match down the line, so only time will tell what comes of this.

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