ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania recently addressed Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s interest in moving away from the Milwaukee Bucks. While several teams have been presented as potential trade destinations, Charania discarded the Los Angeles Lakers while discussing the matter on “Up and Adams“.
“Even Giannis doesn’t know where he wants to go right now or what his future really holds,” said Charania after being asked about Antetokounmpo potentially joining Luka Doncic on the Lakers.
Charania acknowledged the situation in Milwaukee and pointed out how those are serious considerations for Antetokounmpo to make. The Bucks have only one first-round pick worth trading (2031), and most of their contracts are top-heavy and not high-value enough to be considered tradeworthy. In such a situation, the team isn’t in a great position to compete for a title for the next few years, at least.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo has said for years, ‘I want to win another championship.’ He said it on his brother’s podcast last month,” continued Charania. “Everyone understands, he’s trying to find the best fit long-term. He’s been saying for years, the goal is to find that option. If it’s not going to be in Milwaukee, well, now, we’re here.”
Charania highlighted how the NBA Draft Combine would be the ideal situation for Antetokounmpo and his representatives to gauge exactly what his future would be. However, Kay Adams hilariously indicated that the ESPN reporter’s comments indicated that the Bucks star would go to Los Angeles.
Charania responded by saying, “I don’t think that would be something that I would be putting all my money on if I’m you… But do what you’ve got to do.”
The Lakers have certainly been one of the primary teams that have been linked to Antetokounmpo this offseason. With several trade packages being created to land the Greek forward, the Purple and Gold have truly had a lot of opportunities to explore multiple scenarios.
Unfortunately, the challenges involving such a trade simply cannot be ignored.
The Bucks star is owed $54 million over the next season. This makes him an extremely expensive asset in any trade situation. Although the Lakers have been very comfortable with paying the luxury tax, they are currently stretched thin owing to LeBron James‘ contract.
Additionally, given Charania’s statement, it is quite clear that the Purple and Gold don’t necessarily have the most enticing assets when it comes to trading for a franchise player anymore. The acquisition of Doncic was effectively an anomaly in this situation and should be treated as such.
In the realistic sense, the Lakers would have a truly difficult time approaching the Bucks with a relevant trade offer. However, if James were to take a pay cut to give his team some room to negotiate, the Lakers may suddenly have more avenues to explore.
