The Los Angeles Lakers might discover themselves within the combine for one of many largest names in basketball, Giannis Antetokounmpo, however provided that the timing traces up good.
Whereas the two-time MVP has reportedly proven curiosity elsewhere, Jovan Buha believes the Lakers might grow to be a shock commerce vacation spot down the highway if the Bucks star grows extra pissed off along with his group’s route.
“I believe the fascinating factor was, the Lakers have been positioning themselves as a future cap area group, and a future offseason group earlier within the [2025] offseason, after which there was a shift later within the offseason after EuroBasket, the place it got here out that now they’re open to buying and selling, open to taking over longer-term cash,” Buha stated.
Antetokounmpo has made it clear he needs to win, one thing Milwaukee hasn’t carried out since their 2021 title run.
Buha added that the purple and gold might ultimately make a transfer, however the timing is vital.
“Giannis has left the door cracked open, however we’ve since had the reporting that Giannis’ most popular vacation spot was the Knicks, not the Lakers,” he stated. “It’s robust to discover a Knicks-Giannis commerce, so if for no matter purpose that may’t occur, and Milwaukee refuses to play ball with New York… then the Lakers can swoop in and doubtlessly supply a aggressive bundle.They may have three [first-round] draft picks as of subsequent summer season. So might you do one thing with Austin and three picks, and Dalton and Rui, perhaps a Rui sign-and-trade or one thing?”
Nonetheless, a number of hurdles stay. Each Reaves and Hachimura are set to achieve unrestricted free company subsequent summer season, that means any commerce might require sign-and-trade agreements, and Reaves has already turned down an extension from the Lakers.
READ MORE: Why Bucks’ Perfect Commerce for Giannis Fits Knicks, per Windhorst