The Los Angeles Lakers‘ future is a lot more interesting now that Luka Doncic is on the team. They have a young superstar to build around now that LeBron James is getting older.
However, Doncic won’t be able to start the next Lakers dynasty by himself. Every Lakers dynasty has been led by a superstar duo. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal had Kobe Bryant, and then Bryant had Pau Gasol.
One thing to note about all three of those duos is that it was a superstar guard paired with a superstar big man. Right now, the Lakers don’t have a star big man. That could change if they’re willing to swing a massive trade.
Lakers beat writer Jovan Buha floated a trade idea that would send Milwaukee Bucks big man Giannis Antetokounmpo to Los Angeles.
“The Lakers need a post-LeBron plan,” Buha said on “Locked on Lakers.” “I think this is them trying to figure out what is the best post-LeBron plan. Ideally, of course, if you could get a Giannis or a Jokic and pair that player with Luka. Even if it ends up costing you, Austin — but maybe you can keep Austin and have something of a pseudo big three or whatever. They could do something of a sign-and-trade with Austin Reaves. Flip him at the new salary, which is going to be 30 plus million, add some other additional salary matching. Then three first round picks for a Giannis. Or whoever’s the next star that becomes available. That is gettable.”
Would Antetokounmpo Consider LA Move?
Antetokounmpo has been very loyal to the Bucks, but he has let his frustration show more in recent years. The team has lost in the first round of the playoffs in three straight seasons.
They are also on their third head coach in three years. It’s clear that things aren’t very simple in Milwaukee right now. Antetokounmpo likely doesn’t want to leave, but he also wants to win. That might not be possible with the Bucks.
The Lakers should have a level of appeal to him. His brother Kostas won a championship with the team in 2020, and they treated him very well. They’d likely also be willing to sign one of his brothers if he moved. Plus, he’d be able to play with Luka Doncic. Those two would form one of the best duos in the NBA. Antetokounmpo also reveres Kobe Bryant and could like the idea of helping bring his former franchise another championship.
Other Stars Lakers Could Try to Pair With Doncic
Antetokounmpo would be the perfect player to pair with Doncic. His elite defense helps make up for Doncic’s issues on that side of the court, while Doncic’s shooting and playmaking abilities take pressure off Antetokounmpo on offense.
However, the Lakers can’t put all of their eggs in that basket. Nikola Jokic is another player who has been talked about due to his relationship with Doncic, but that will also be hard to pull off.
A player like Karl-Anthony Towns might be more realistic, and while he’s not as exciting as the other two players mentioned, he’d give the Lakers an All-Star-level big.
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