ANALYSIS: Can Los Angeles Lakers ‘Position Themselves’ To Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Los Angeles Lakers have been very successful this offseason. They have executed their plans brilliantly. On top of that, the LA side made sure they didn’t take any chances with Anthony Davis. Hence, as Anthony Davis became eligible for a contract extension on August 4, they extended his contract to another three-year deal worth $186 million. But the Lakers must be prepared for the post-LeBron James era.

King James already gave a couple of hints of retirement right after the disastrous Western Conference Finals last season. Also, he will be 39 next December. It will be hard to find a replacement for him if he retires in the next two or three years. Hence, the Lakers are looking at the possibility of acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. 

   

Is It Possible For The Lakers To Sign Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Giannis Antetokounmpo vs LeBron James Lakers Source: Sports Illustrated

As per the reports, the LA side is already thinking ahead of the post-James era. But who can be the successor of LeBron James in the LA Lakers team? Apparently, it is not totally out of the question to tie the two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Lakers. However, the LA side currently looks complete after they signed Christian Wood as the center who can play alongside Anthony Davis. But next year, Giannis, the Greek Freak, will become eligible for a contract extension. However, unlike Anthony Davis with the LA side, the Greek Freak might not sign an extension with the Bucks. Hence, the New York Knicks and the Lakers will try to stay financially flexible if the chance to sign the Greek Freak opens up.

According to Tania Ganguli of the New York Times, Giannis Antetokounmpo is also willing to move to another team to raise his chance of winning another championship. But the 7-foot superstar also mentioned that if he thinks the Bucks will do everything possible to win a title during the time of signing his extension, then he might change his mind. Moreover, Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar suggests a wild trade proposal where the Lakers can trade Anthony Davis and Jarred Vanderbilt along with a 2029 First-round pick. In exchange, the Milwaukee Bucks will trade Giannis Antetokounmpo to the LA side.

Rob Pelinka And His Front Office Has Been Successful Since The Last Mid-Season Trades

Rob Pelinka Darvin Ham Lakers Source: Los Angeles Times

After successful mid-season trades, the 17-time champions were able to turn things around. The front office was able to bring balance and stability to the team’s roster. Initially, balance and stability were missing from the start of the previous season. However, after the successful trades, the Lakers were able to make the postseason, which once looked too distant. Not only that, but the LA side was also able to reach the conference finals.

Since then, the front office decided to keep the core together no matter what. Many players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura were heading towards free agency. But Rob Pelinka and his front office were able to retain Reaves, Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell for multi-year deals. Moreover, the Lakers were also able to acquire quality players like Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, and Cam Reddish. Vincent comes straight from the Miami Heat, the runners-up of the last season.

       

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