Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Lakers were the team that benefited from one of the wildest trades in NBA history. They were able to score Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks.
That trade shifted the balance of power in the Western Conference. The Mavs went from a title contender to a team that didn't even make the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have a new face of the franchise once LeBron James retires. While that trade was fabulous for them, it may prevent them from being able to get one of the best players in the NBA.
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Because the Lakers were able to land Doncic, they likely have not shot at landing Giannis Antetokounmpo if he asks for a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks.
Los Angeles doesn't have the assets needed to execute a trade, especially after already trading for one of the league's best young players. The Bucks would be wary of the backlash from fans for sending their best player to the Lakers.
That means that as the Lakers search for a big man who can help defensively, they can cross Antetokounmpo off the list. They will likely have to go elsewhere for that improvement.
The only possible trade that the Lakers could offer would be a package centered around Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and some picks.
Milwaukee likely wouldn't like that package because the picks wouldn't be good enough for them to be considered high picks. The Lakers would likely become title contenders with Antetokounmpo, so those picks wouldn't be high.
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The Lakers are a good team right now, but they are in pursuit of becoming a great team. Adding Antetokounmpo would certainly put them in that category, if they are able to pull it off.
Rob Pelinka should turn his focus towards a more realistic option. That would be another center who wouldn't cost the team nearly as much.
This past season with Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. He shot 60 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from beyond the three-point arc.
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