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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 09: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts on the sidelines during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on January 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams expected to make a serious push for Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason. The Milwaukee Bucks want a resolution before the June 23 draft, and the Lakers have the pieces to construct a compelling offer. The framework for a deal exists.
The problem is what Antetokounmpo actually wants.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the two teams that currently intrigue Antetokounmpo most as potential trade destinations are the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. Los Angeles does not appear to be at the top of his list.
Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly likes the idea of joining the Miami Heat or Boston Celtics, per @TheSteinLine
“I’ve heard something similar from a few different teams since the Chicago draft combine: Miami and Boston are increasingly perceived to be the potential trade
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Despite the preference concerns, Bleacher Report has outlined a realistic Lakers trade package that Milwaukee would find difficult to dismiss entirely.
The proposed deal would send Antetokounmpo to Los Angeles in exchange for Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, Nick Smith Jr., an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and a top-five protected 2032 first-round swap. Reaves would opt out of his current deal and sign a four-year, $172 million contract with the Lakers as part of a sign-and-trade to Milwaukee.
The package is substantial. Reaves is one of the better guards in the league and the kind of complementary piece Milwaukee could build around in a rebuild. The draft capital adds long-term value. On paper, it is a credible offer.
The timing also matters. Antetokounmpo’s extension window does not open until October 1, meaning Milwaukee’s best opportunity to complete a trade comes before then, ideally around the draft or the start of free agency in July when teams have maximum financial flexibility.
GettyPresident of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The trade package may work on paper. Whether Antetokounmpo wants to be in Los Angeles is a separate question entirely.
Stein’s reporting, corroborated by multiple sources since the Chicago draft combine, places Boston and Miami firmly ahead of the Lakers in terms of Antetokounmpo’s preferred destinations. Luka Doncic gives LA a compelling pitch around a young superstar. The organization is coming off a 53-win season and a playoff run that reached the second round. But none of that guarantees they are where Antetokounmpo wants to be.
The Bucks will ultimately weigh the best overall package, and player preference is just one factor in any negotiation. But it is a significant one. Milwaukee has indicated they want to work with Antetokounmpo on an outcome that suits both sides.
This offseason is already complicated. Decisions on Reaves, LeBron James, and the broader roster need to be made regardless of what happens with Antetokounmpo. If Reaves is included in a Giannis trade, the Lakers lose one of their most important players. If Antetokounmpo does not want to come to LA, the cost may not be worth paying.
The window to act is six weeks. A lot can change. But right now the reports are not pointing in the Lakers’ direction.
The package exists. The desire is there. The timeline is tight.
What is less clear is whether Antetokounmpo sees Los Angeles as his next destination. Until that changes, the Lakers face an uphill battle in the biggest sweepstakes of the offseason.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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