The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly seeking a combination of “young blue-chip talent and/or a surplus of draft picks” in a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. The Los Angeles Lakers can, at the most, offer three first-round picks (including the No. 25 pick in the 2026 Draft) and Austin Reaves in a potential sign-and-trade scenario — provided free agent Reaves agrees to play in Cream City.
The Lakers clearly can’t compete with the potential pick/trade packages offered by the Miami Heat (Kel’el Ware, Tyler Herro, No. 13 overall pick in 2026) or even the Golden State Warriors (No. 11 overall pick in 2026 and three more first-round picks). However, the Lakers are still expected to inquire about a Giannis trade this offseason, much like they did before the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.
“The Lakers are expected to explore Antetokounmpo trade scenarios this summer,” The Athletic’s Dan Woike and Sam Amick reported the day after the Lakers’ season ended.
– Team promised Luka Doncic a “balanced roster” similar to 2024 Mavs – Luka wants to play with Austin Reaves long-term; didn’t want Reaves included in Giannis trade – Expected to explore Giannis trade scenarios, be
Lakers Trade Target: Giannis Antetokounmpo
The major sticking point for the Lakers could be Reaves, whom franchise star Luka Doncic isn’t willing to lose, according to The Athletic.
“Dončić has made it clear to the Lakers that he would like to continue playing with Reaves, according to league sources,” read the report. “Beyond their close friendship, Dončić believes in Reaves as a long-term piece next to him.
“Multiple league sources said that belief was best illustrated when Dončić told people within the organization that he wouldn’t want Reaves included in any potential trade packages for Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“Dončić, those sources say, would strongly prefer a team construction that includes him and Reaves alongside whatever star the Lakers could acquire.”
The Austin Reaves Factor
Rival executives believe Reaves could command $40M per season in free agency, putting the Lakers in an interesting spot. The Lakers will be flush with cap space (projected to be over $50M) even after re-signing Reaves, but they may struggle to build the idea roster around Doncic due to Reaves’ contract, per some insiders.
The Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks are expected to pursue Reaves, the Athletic added.
Needless to say, the Lakers have no shot of pulling off a Giannis trade without Reaves being involved, given their limited assets. Ultimately, it seems the Lakers are not significant players for the Bucks superstar, something that Jay Williams — a business partner of Antetokounmpo — alluded to last month.
“He don’t want to be in LA,” Williams told ESPN’s “First Take” last month.
Besides making a run at Antetokounmpo, the Lakers will reportedly pursue restricted free agents such as Jalen Duren, Peyton Watson and Tari Eason, and veterans like Isaiah Hartenstein, Mitchell Robinson, Daniel Gafford and Jarrett Allen, as they strive to build around Doncic. The Lakers’ top priorities include adding quality 3-and-D wings and an athletic big man, per multiple Lakers insiders.
Lakers Get Major Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Update After Season Ends