The question surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future has resurfaced as the 2025-26 trade deadline approaches, and league reporting indicates the Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams monitoring every development.
Caleb Hightower of The Sporting News reported on Monday, December 8, that Antetokounmpo could become available this season, citing comments from Fox32 Chicago’s Lou Canellis that the two-time MVP had explored trade possibilities months earlier.
Canellis noted that Antetokounmpo viewed the Knicks as his top choice but New York “would not offer more than just Karl-Anthony Towns,” which stalled any progress with Milwaukee.
Hightower also reported that the Lakers checked in, and that Luka Doncic contacted Milwaukee to explore whether Los Angeles could assemble a package.
As the 2025-26 campaign approaches the trade deadline, the Bucks continue to reject all proposals.
Marc Stein reports that Milwaukee has delivered the same message to every club: “He’s not available. We don’t want your trade pitches.”
Teams across the league still operate as if an opportunity could emerge, creating an unusual environment where denials from the Bucks are met with continued preparation elsewhere.
Milwaukee sits at 10–16 with Antetokounmpo sidelined by a calf strain, and his absence has placed significant pressure on the rotation.
Before the injury, he averaged 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in 29.1 minutes, anchoring a roster that relies on Ryan Rollins’ 17.5 points per game and Kevin Porter Jr.’s 21.8 points in limited appearances.
Los Angeles, meanwhile, holds a 17–6 record with Doncic producing 35.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.1 assists across 37.1 minutes. Austin Reaves adds 28.4 points, and the roster remains one of the West’s most efficient offensive groups.
From a cap standpoint, the Lakers are positioned to explore a blockbuster, but only with precise salary matching.
Antetokounmpo holds a cap hit of $54,126,450, while Los Angeles sits $1.1 million under the first apron, meaning any incoming salary cannot exceed outgoing money by more than $1,124,195.
Under CBA rules for teams above the tax but below the apron, they may receive up to 125 percent of outgoing contracts plus $250,000. This creates a minimum outgoing threshold of $53,002,255 if the Lakers pursue Antetokounmpo.
Their most realistic packages center on Rui Hachimura ($18.2M), Austin Reaves ($13.9M), Jarred Vanderbilt ($11.6M), and Maxi Kleber ($11M), a combination totaling $54.7 million. Another option replaces Kleber with Gabe Vincent, pushing outgoing salary past $55 million.
Milwaukee, operating below the tax line, can accept less salary than it sends out, meaning these constructions meet league rules.
If a two-team deal becomes too rigid, a third club with cap flexibility could absorb smaller contracts and create space for final adjustments.
The Bucks’ stance remains firm, but Antetokounmpo’s 2027-28 player option gives him influence over any long-term destination.
Executives across the league are preparing for the possibility that Milwaukee’s position may change if the team’s record does not improve.
For now, Los Angeles has both interest and the structural ability to make a legal offer, but the opportunity depends entirely on whether the Bucks shift from their current position.
