Is Giannis Antetokounmpo a realistic trade option for the Lakers?

With Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially on the move, could Los Angeles be a destination for the superstar?

Despite the NBA playoffs still ongoing, offseasons have begun for many teams and the rumor mill is always churning away.

After crashing out of the playoffs, the Bucks have a big Giannis Antetokounmpo-sized question to answer this summer.

While the superstar big is locked into his deal for the next two seasons, Milwaukee was just eliminated in the first round. With Giannis in his 30s, he has to wonder if this is where he should spend the remaining years of his prime.

Shams Charania of ESPN recently appeared on the “Get Up” show and said Giannis is “open-minded” about leaving Milwaukee.

While this is far from a trade request or demand, it is the first time we’ve heard recent substantial reporting that Giannis leaving the Bucks is possible.

If he does want to leave Milwaukee, could Los Angeles be his next NBA home?

While the opportunity to have Giannis join LeBron James and Luka Dončić is enticing, the path is tricky, as our own Bryan Toporek broke down.

Unless President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka can pull off another heist for a superstar, he’ll likely need to give Milwaukee a haul to get Giannis to Southern California.

With Giannis set to make $54.1 million next season, the Lakers would have to add a collection of players to make a trade financially possible.

Assuming LeBron and Luka were not included, the Lakers players with the highest salaries entering the 2025-26 season include Rui Hachimura at $18.3 million, Dorian Finney-Smith at $15.4 million if he picks up his player option and Austin Reaves at $14 million.

Behind this trio, Jarred Vanderbilt is set to make $11.6 million, Gabe Vincent is at $11.5 million and Maxi Kleber will earn $11.0 million next year.

The Lakers don’t have much draft capital they can use, but they still have the 2031 first round pick at their disposal. Once the 2025 NBA Draft is complete, they’ll also be able to do up to four first round pick swaps for 2026, 2028, 2030 and 2032.

If the Bucks think they can make a trade with the Lakers that will place them closer to contention, the pick swaps could be a way to rebuild without having to tank.

So, yes, there is a path forward where the Lakers can add at least one draft pick and a group of rotation players to bring the Greek Freak to Los Angeles. But, ultimately, any package of picks and players the Lakers can muster together will surely be beaten by other teams.

While the odds may be slim of getting such a colossal deal done, if this season’s trade deadline taught us anything, it’s that everything is possible.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.