Is Giannis Antetokounmpo Going to Lakers? Insider Claims Luka Doncic Urged LA Front Office to Pursue 2x MVP

An NBA insider has confirmed the LA Lakers’ interest in the Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak has been the franchise’s cornerstone for 13 seasons, but could be reaching the end of his time with the Bucks.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Antetokounmpo and his agent have begun a dialogue with the Milwaukee front office about the future of the two-time NBA MVP. This hints at a potential breakup between both sides, the fallout of which every team will want a piece of.

Many teams across the league have been touted as a potential destination for Giannis. But according to Fox 32 reporter Lou Canellis, Luka Doncic wishes to see the star forward play for the Lakers.

“I can tell you that the Lakers inquired and Luka Doncic himself inquired, trying to see if the Lakers could work out a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks,” Canellis said (Timestamp: 9:45).

The Milwaukee Bucks have faced quite a struggle over the last few weeks, holding a record of 2-8 in their last 10 games. Regardless of the team’s struggles, Antetokounmpo has been stellar, averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game, shooting 63.9%.

---

NBA Insider claims Giannis Antetokounmpo was “frustrated” with Bucks’ handling of Damian Lillard

The Milwaukee Bucks gave up significant assets to acquire Damian Lillard ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season. Unfortunately, Lillard’s union with Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t go as planned. Milwaukee waived the star guard this summer after two seasons.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Antetokounmpo was frustrated with this decision.

“I can’t emphasize this enough,” Windhorst said. “Giannis saw that (Lillard) move and then was interested in being a Knick. He couldn’t have been more clear about where he felt about the Bucks roster.”

Despite Milwaukee’s best efforts to construct a contending roster, the team has failed time and again since the 2021 NBA Finals. Depending on how the season develops, Giannis Antetokounmpo could be playing for a different team before the trade deadline.

For now, the Bucks will return to the court to face the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum on Friday. Philadelphia has won two in a row heading into this game.