Can Lakers Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo? Insider Reveals Why it's Nearly Impossible

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the teams gunning for a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade this coming offseason. However, they don't appear to have the right type of assets to put together a compelling trade package.

According to Shams Charania, the Lakers can offer only three future first-rounders. In this scenario, LA offers nothing more in terms of assets, but they're also taking on the entirety of Antetokounmpo's salary, freeing up the Milwaukee Bucks' cap space. A scenario that another league insider was not impressed by.

Journalist and podcast host Trevor Lane highlighted two reasons why this scenario is impossible. To begin with, he highlighted that such a move would severely hinder the team's ability to acquire quality supporting pieces.

Absorbing Antetokounmpo's salary means they lose the flexibility to re-sign several key pieces, including Rui Hachimura and LeBron James. In this scenario, they might not have the depth to legitimately compete for a title.

Then, there's the Austin Reaves part of the equation. Reaves could be included in a sign-and-trade package for Antetokounmpo. However, the elite scoring guard actually has to want to play for the Bucks. If not, he could just choose to sign elsewhere, leaving the Lakers with nothing.

Finally, there's the fact that three first-rounders isn't a compelling enough package for a player of Antetokounmpo's caliber. The Greek Freak is a top-ten player in the NBA, so any trade package for him needs to reflect that status.

Three firsts might seem like a great return; however, they're unlikely to become valuable. One of the picks included in this hypothetical scenario is the Lakers' 2026 first-rounder, which is this year's 25th pick.

If Luka Doncic and Antetokounmpo are running the Lakers for the next few seasons, it's highly unlikely that any of LA's future first-rounders become lottery selections.

The Lakers are likely going to still try to acquire Antetokounmpo this offseason to pair with Doncic. However, their lack of high-value assets and the fact that several other teams could put together more compelling packages mean they aren't a favorite to land him.

Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves Are Among Teams Rumored to Pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade

Even teams that already have an established core can't resist the lure of Giannis Antetokounmpo, and who can blame them? He's only 31, playing at his peak, and is arguably a perennial MVP candidate.

That type of talent doesn't become available often, and the Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics, both already considered powerhouses, could try their chances in acquiring him. Both teams reportedly tried to make a deal for him before the 2026 trade deadline, and they could try again this summer.

The Celtics are in a good position, as they have the assets, especially with Jaylen Brown rumored to be part of the package. Including Brown in any trade talks won't just be because he's the most talented player available to be dealt. Finances also play a role, and swapping his contract for Antetokounmpo's makes it a straightforward deal.

The Timberwolves, though, have some intriguing pieces to throw in as well. They have players like Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels who wouldn’t be untouchable if a player of the Antetokounmpo calibre was involved.

If these two front offices decide to go all-in in trading for Antetokounmpo, expect the Lakers' chances at winning the sweepstakes to plummet dramatically.