The Los Angeles Lakers shocked the NBA world at the trade deadline when they pulled off a trade for Luka Doncic. While they sent future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in the deal, the move set the organization up to have their next great superstar.
It marked the latest franchise altering blockbuster trade that the Lakers have pulled off in their rich history. Although it’s been just over three months since they acquired Doncic, Los Angeles has been linked to a two-time NBA MVP.
Sam Quinn recently reported that the Lakers have a chance to pull off a move for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer.
“Oh, that’s cute, you don’t think the Lakers have enough to trade for another superstar?,” CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn wrote Monday. “You must be new here. NBA history is littered with lopsided Laker trades. We just saw one three months ago. Can you name anyone they gave up to get Abdul-Jabbar? An offer of Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, cap filler and some deep future draft assets shouldn’t get a normal team Antetokounmpo, but we can’t rule out that it might get the Lakers Antetokounmpo. If he wants to go there and is willing to make things uncomfortable enough for other suitors, it’s possible even if it’s unlikely.”
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While Quinn noted that it remains unlikely Antetokounmpo lands in Los Angeles, the fact that the deal can’t be ruled out speaks volumes. The nine-time All-Star remains in the midst of his prime as he is set to receive his seventh consecutive top-four MVP finish. He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 60.1% from the field this season.
Pairing Antetokounmpo with Doncic and LeBron James would likely make the Lakers the presumptive favorite to win their 18th title in franchise history in 2025-26. Furthermore, the move would set them up to remain in contention for at least the next five years as the two-way star is just 30 years old — while their five-time All-NBA point guard is just 26.
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