Giannis Antetokounmpo is a big rival as well as a fan of the iconic Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. Currently, in the All-Star games, this rivalry has become pretty popular. Hence, it is hard to imagine if someday the Bucks star and the Lakers star play for the same team. However, the Lakers have a pretty solid core since the last mid-season trades.
Clearly, the front office has done a great job of keeping the core together. Now, the fans and the front office will look up to Anthony Davis and LeBron James to lead the side to another title. On the other hand, at present, the Bucks have to fret about the future of the Greek Freak. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo is part of the Bucks for another two years and has a player option worth $51.9 million for the 2025-26 season.
If Giannis Antetokounmpo Leaves The Bucks, Will He Join The Lakers?
The fear that the Bucks may lose the Greek Freak has increased after the first-round exit against the Miami Heat last season. The Bucks had a great regular season and are looking to win another title with Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, things ended abruptly. On top of that, the team is full of aging players like Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez. These players are in their 30s. Moreover, the Bucks can’t reshuffle the roster without taking a step backward.
The Greek Freak might feel in the next two years that he has to look elsewhere if he really wants to win more championships. According to Marc Steiner, an NBA insider, the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers are already among the top two possible suitors for the two-time MVP. Moreover, Giannis Antetokounmpo will head toward free agency in 2025. If he wants to seek a new challenge, he might end up signing with the Lakers. He might gel well with Anthony Davis in the post-James era.
What If Giannis Antetokounmpo Is The Backup Star For LeBron James On The LA Side?
It has been almost four years since the James-Davis duo won a championship together for the Lakers. But the front office extended the eight-time All-Star’s contract for another three years. Hence, the Lakers have complete faith in Anthony Davis. They believe he can lead the side pretty well, even in the absence of LeBron James. Now the question is how long James is willing to continue with his career in the NBA. He is 38 and at the twilight of his career. Hence, the Lakers might need a backup star for LeBron James. For instance, somebody who can lead the team alongside Anthony Davis, like LeBron James was doing for so long.
Moreover, there is a high probability that the Greek Freak might have to leave Milwaukee Bucks in or before 2025. LeBron James will play the next season as per his current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Since Anthony Davis extended his contract for another three years, perhaps King James will try to stay with the Lakers for another couple of years at least. Then there is a chance that Giannis Antetokounmpo might feature in the same team as LeBron James, at least for a season.
