The Lakers won't be among the frontrunners in any Giannis Antetokounmpo trade drama this summer, but you bet they'll put in a call to the Milwaukee Bucks' front office. Same goes for the Clippers, despite an even less likely trade scenario.
Problem is, Giannis doesn't like Los Angeles. He said as much in an interview on Goran Dragic's podcast, Gogis Garage, during a rapid-fire Q&A.Â
Dragic: "Vacation, LA or Miami?"
Giannis: "Miami. Miami, Miami. I think LA is superficial. I don't like LA."
That should suffice to vanquish the faint hopes of Lakers and Clippers fans altogether.
An implausible outcome just became even less likely
Antetokounmpo's disdain for Los Angeles suggests that, if the Bucks were to honor his wishes at all in a trade, they would direct their business elsewhere. That doesn't mean they should ship Giannis to his destination of choice for a subpar return (sorry, New York). But after 13 years with the franchise, he has built up enough equity to have a strong say in where he goes.Â
Neither the Lakers nor the Clippers had a strong case to begin with. They don't have a competitive package of young talent and draft capital to offer. Maybe the Lakers could change that by making Austin Reaves available in a sign-and-trade, plus a boatload of first-round picks. That's about it.
The Bucks have no reason to even entertain a Kawhi Leonard trade with the Clippers unless, maybe - maybe - it's to pair him with Giannis. Darius Garland isn't all that intriguing. The Clippers can't supply any near-future draft compensation to tide the Bucks over until they regain control of their own picks in 2031.Â
Both Los Angeles teams were fringe suitors at best. Giannis just shut the door on their faces.Â
Miami is leader in the clubhouse to win Giannis sweepstakes
If the LA teams are out, Miami is very much in. Not only did Giannis make his preferences clear, he also expressed his admiration for the city. As painful as it is, imagining the Greek Freak in South Beach isn't difficult.Â
Just as importantly, the Heat can put the best offer on the table if they want to. A package built around Kel'el Ware, Tyler Herro, another young player, and draft picks would be a better deal for the Bucks than most expected offers.Â
Golden State and Brooklyn don't have the young talent. The Knicks could formulate a workable offer, but that would mean giving up OG Anunoby. Likely? Probably not. Minnesota is in the same boat with Jaden Daniels.Â
As for the Lakers and Clippers, Miami could outdo their proposals by barely lifting a finger.Â
Those fanbases already knew their chances were slim. Giannis himself put the icing on the bitter cake. Fat chance the Lakers would consider putting up the cost of a trade knowing that Antetokounmpo, with one year plus a 2027-28 player option left on his contract, is unlikely to sign an extension there.
And, yeah, if he dislikes the idea of vacationing there for a few weeks, he isn't about to stake out a long-term future in Los Angeles.Â
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