Lakers Believe They Have Realistic Shot to Land $175M Superstar

NBA insider reveals Lakers see Giannis Antetokounmpo as a 'big prize' they hope to acquire in the offseason.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 4:39pm

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The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly believe they have a realistic chance to land Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in the upcoming 2026 offseason. NBA insider Dave McMenamin revealed that Lakers team sources see the appeal of acquiring the two-time MVP, who is currently under contract with the Bucks through the 2027-28 season.

Why it matters

Landing Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a massive coup for the Lakers, as he is one of the NBA's elite superstars. His combination of size, skill, and dominance on both ends of the floor would instantly make the Lakers a championship contender again and provide a long-term foundation to build around.

The details

Antetokounmpo, who is currently in the first year of a 3-year, $175 million contract extension with the Bucks, is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game this season. His ability to drive to the basket and control the paint would complement the Lakers' perimeter-oriented roster perfectly. The Lakers are said to have more draft capital and clarity on their roster situation heading into the 2026 offseason, making them an appealing destination for Antetokounmpo.

  • Antetokounmpo signed a 3-year, $175 million contract extension with the Bucks in October 2023 that begins in the 2025-26 season.
  • The Lakers are expected to have more draft capital and roster clarity heading into the 2026 offseason.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A two-time NBA MVP and 2021 NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, Antetokounmpo is one of the league's elite superstars and a dominant two-way player.

Austin Reaves

A Lakers guard who would likely benefit greatly from playing alongside Antetokounmpo, as his ability to draw defenses inside would open up space for Reaves to shoot and create from the perimeter.

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What they’re saying

“I was told recently that the Lakers were a team to keep an eye on from Giannis' standpoint, just as another team of interest. But again, there's a difficulty there in terms of trade assets.”

— Howard Beck, Ringer NBA Insider

“The Lakers, team sources told ESPN, obviously see the appeal in Antetokounmpo and believe they would be one of the teams on a very short list if the Bucks star asks for a trade out of Milwaukee.”

— Dave McMenamin, NBA Insider

“A Western Conference executive told ESPN he believes Antetokounmpo is the 'big prize' the Lakers hope to land, should the Milwaukee Bucks decide to trade the 2021 NBA Finals MVP in the offseason.”

— Western Conference Executive

What’s next

The Lakers' ability to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo will depend on the Bucks' willingness to trade him, as well as the Lakers' ability to put together an enticing trade package. This situation will likely continue to be a major storyline leading up to the 2026 offseason.

The takeaway

The Lakers' pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo highlights the franchise's ongoing quest to build a championship-caliber roster around LeBron James and their other key players. Landing a superstar of Antetokounmpo's caliber would be a massive coup and instantly make the Lakers a title favorite, but it remains to be seen if the Bucks will ultimately make him available for trade.