The Lakers are expected to target Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo in the offseason, according to ESPN insider Dave McMenamin, but they face one unmovable hurdle. Los Angeles doesn’t have any enticing pieces to trade for Giannis. Perhaps their best trade asset will be Austin Reaves, but he’s already 27 and lacks the sky-high ceiling the Bucks will be seeking in exchange for their superstar.
It’s no surprise to hear that the Lakers are interested in Giannis. After all, how could they not be? Giannis is still arguably the best player in the world when healthy and would be a dream pairing next to Luka Doncic. But this huge obstacle will be hard to overcome.
The Lakers don’t have blue chip assets
Reaves is an excellent player in his own regard, no doubt. He’s putting up All-Star level numbers this season: 25 points, five rebounds, and six assists per game. He’d be a great co-star in Milwaukee next to Giannis. But he’s not good enough to be the centerpiece of a trade for Giannis.
Outside of him, the Lakers will also have the option to trade multiple first-round picks in the summer - their own selections in 2026, 2031, and 2033. Getting back three first-rounders and Reaves back doesn’t sound like a terrible return, but there’s a catch.
The 2026 pick will not be a very high one; the Lakers are a team with playoff ambitions this season and currently sit fifth in the West. As of today, they would select 21st in the Draft. Even in 2031 and 2033, the presence of Luka Doncic makes the Lakers' picks less enticing.
In those seasons, Luka will be 32 and 34, respectively. He might not be in his prime anymore at that point but could easily still be good enough to keep the Lakers in playoff contention. Not to mention, Doncic has a game that is likely to age very well since he doesn’t rely on athleticism.
Teaming him up with Giannis will only worsen the chances of getting a good draft pick back. Each has shown the ability to single-handedly carry a team before, and should theoretically fit well as a duo. Luka the pick-and-roll maestro with Giannis as the receiver and finisher. They might even be able to extend each other’s primes by sharing offensive load.
Giannis and the Bucks are nearing an era-defining summer. He is sure to be the headline trade target of the offseason just like he was at the trade deadline. And with that will come many suitors, but the Lakers should not be a serious one. They lack the promising young talent that the Bucks should demand in any trade for their generational star.