The Los Angeles Lakers boast one of the best third options in Austin Reaves, one of the best first options in Luka Doncic, and the very best second option in the NBA in LeBron James.
James is the best player in the world to not be the best player on his own team, and is coming off an All-NBA Second Team season. However, he will turn 41 years old this season. While he is still excellent, he is not a long-term running mate next to Doncic.
The Lakers have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo, as well as any star rumored to be included in trade talks. The New York Knicks seem to be Antetokounmpo’s preferred landing spot, although if LA is patient, they could land the Greek Freak, building the best duo in the NBA.
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 13: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers is defended by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of a game at Fiserv Forum on March 13, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Lakers Must Wait to Land Giannis Antetokounmpo
Right now, it’s clear that Doncic is the best player on the Lakers and James is the second-best. If Los Angeles lands Antetokounmpo, will Doncic have to ride shotgun? Discuss!
James boasts a no-trade clause, and it’s impossible to see him agreeing to be sent to the small-market Milwaukee Bucks without their best player. On top of that, the Lakers currently don’t have the assets to pull off a deal yet.
However, that could all change next summer when James’ $52.6 million salary is off the books.
“If Milwaukee refuses to play ball with New York because they just don’t want to trade him in-conference or they don’t like what New York’s offering, then the Lakers can swoop in and potentially offer a competitive package,” insider Jovan Buha outlined on a livestream on October 12th.
“They will have three draft picks as of next summer. So could you do something with Austin and three picks, and Dalton, and Rui, maybe a sign-and-trade or something? Could you get in the mix for Giannis with that package? Maybe.”
The Lakers, by next summer, can offer their first-round picks in 2030 and 2032, as well as swaps in 2028 and 2031.
Why Los Angeles Lakers and Bucks Would Agree to a Trade
Parting with Reaves would hurt a lot, but to add a top-three player in the world right now, the Lakers would make that trade in a second.
The Bucks, meanwhile, get the tools to rebuild. A trio of Reaves, Myles Turner, and Kyle Kuzma would be laughable in the Western Conference, but in the East, it could compete for a playoff spot.
On top of that, the Bucks would get Dalton Knecht to build around, as well as up to four draft picks, depending on how the Giannis/Luka core manages in the coming years.
If the Bucks make Giannis available, every team in the league will make an offer. Several teams can offer more draft capital, although the Lakers can balance a win-now package and draft picks, allowing the Bucks to stay relevant as they rebuild.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Why Luka Doncic Will Have to Wait for Lakers’ LeBron James Replacement appeared first on Heavy Sports.