NBA Trade Rumors: Insider Details Giannis Antetokounmpo's Only Pathway to Join Luka Doncic and Lakers

Reports about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s uncertain future in Milwaukee have given Lakers fans new hope that their team might have a real chance to land the Greek Freak. ESPN analyst Ramona Shelburne recently broke down how the Lakers could make a serious push for him.

Shelburne explained that the most straightforward way for the Lakers to get Giannis is through a trade. The problem is that the price would be extremely high. If Rob Pelinka wanted to make this happen, the Lakers would need to part with Austin Reaves, along with several other players and a large number of draft picks.

“If I'm Milwaukee, I demand him (Reaves). I wouldn't do the trade without him. I mean, that's a tough one, but that's who they would ask for because you're not going to get Luka. You got to get the next best guy. And that's, that's Austin,” Shelburne said.

Making a trade like this would drain the Lakers’ assets, but if the goal is to build a core of Giannis, Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the front office would have to commit fully.

If the Lakers choose to wait until the season ends, Shelburne believes the competition for Antetokounmpo could get even tougher. Other teams might be willing to take a chance on him even if he is not ready to commit long-term.

“Will there be a team that thinks they might be a Giannis away that he won't extend with it? He doesn't want to be on. Will there be a team that will do like what Toronto did that would take a chance on him? Toronto did with Kawhi,” Shelburne said.

LA Lakers are not the frontrunners to land Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the kind of superstar every team would love to take a chance on, but right now, the New York Knicks seem to be the strongest contenders to get him.

Reports suggest that earlier in the offseason, Antetokounmpo had a clear message for the Bucks front office. He wanted to be moved to New York.

“The Bucks called the Knicks and asked for an offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo, because Giannis said, ‘I want to be a Knick’,” Brian Windhorst said.

In a perfect scenario, the Knicks would look to build a core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and Antetokounmpo.

They also have plenty of pieces that could help pull this blockbuster deal off. Players like OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride give them enough flexibility to make a compelling offer to the Bucks.