LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo are two of the best players on the planet. And while they are each on drastically different paths, the rumor mill would have us believe a partnership between them is more than possible.
For any such scenario to become true, it will require some help by the team’s two stars, LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
James is in the second year of four-year, $154 million deal he signed with LA last year. Davis is also a UFA next year, but is wildly expected to re-sign with the Lakers.
Antetokounmpo, the reigning NBA MVP, is currently on the final year of a 4-year, $100,000,000 contract he signed with the Bucks in the summer of 2017-18 season. The Greek Freak will indeed be the most coveted unrestricted free agent this summer.
In order to sign Giannis, the Lakers and James likely will have to come up with an agreement of a pay cut of some sort. The same scenario existed for the late Kobe Bryant years ago, but the Black Mamba did not budge during the Lakers’ rebuilding seasons.
James might be willing to bite the bullet, especially if it means landing a third superstar in Antetokounmpo.
Judging from Giannis‘ past comments, it appears as though he’d be open to leaving Milwaukee if they don’t win a title this season. He also stated that he’d love to play with any of his brothers in “Milwaukee, L.A., whatever.”
He’s certainly opening a path to his exit from the Bucks, and the Lakers will likely be at the top of the list if he does decide to leave. With Giannis, the Lakers would be set short-term and long-term. The trio of James, the Greek Freak, and AD would be instant title favorites. And when Bron finally hits his inevitable decline, the team will be in good hands going forward behind the play of their other two stars.
But, to make this dream a reality, it will be up to Bron and Davis to take some major pay cuts — something top-tier superstar players have been unwilling to do in the past.
