As the , trade deadline passed, the Los Angeles Lakers signaled a clear intention to prioritize the offseason as their primary opportunity for significant roster improvements. Much of that outlook hinges on the future of LeBron James, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding James, the Lakers are projected to have approximately $51 million in cap space, even accounting for Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million free agent hold, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. While Reaves is widely expected to remain with the team, James’ situation remains fluid amid speculation about his potential retirement and reported internal tensions within the organization.
If James does depart, the Lakers would gain substantial financial flexibility to reshape their roster and pursue elite talent. One name, in particular, continues to surface in connection with their long-term plans: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Lakers Preparing Aggressive Pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo
While the Lakers recently acquired Luke Kennard in a trade for Gabe Vincent, their focus appears to be firmly set on the offseason. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin has reported that the franchise is preparing an aggressive pursuit of Antetokounmpo should the Milwaukee Bucks decide to trade the two-time MVP.
McMenamin previously stated that the Lakers believe they would be on a “very short list” of teams if Antetokounmpo requested a trade from Milwaukee. This sentiment was reinforced by Sam Amick of The Athletic, who reported on that the Lakers are “planning an all-out pursuit” of the Bucks superstar.
“To see Antetokounmpo embrace the All-Star spotlight as he did over the weekend was to wonder how much the nonstop hype surrounding him might impact his market a few months from now,” Amick wrote. “Take the Los Angeles Lakers, for example, who are known to be planning an all-out pursuit of the Bucks’ big man in the summer.”
The Lakers’ ability to make a serious offer for Antetokounmpo is expected to improve significantly in the coming months. They currently project to control three tradable first-round picks – in 2026, 2031, and 2033 – providing them with increased leverage in trade negotiations.
Lakers Could Play Major Role in Shaping Giannis Trade Market
Prior to the trade deadline, several teams, including the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks, were widely considered potential suitors for Antetokounmpo, though no deal materialized. However, NBA insider Marc Stein suggested that the landscape could shift if Antetokounmpo’s situation remains unresolved into the offseason.
Stein noted that Los Angeles’ projected cap space would allow the franchise to pursue an “expensive star” like Antetokounmpo, or another elite player should one become available. The Lakers’ broader plan is believed to center on re-signing Reaves and building around Luka Dončić, positioning the team for long-term competitiveness regardless of James’ decision.
Reaves, eligible for a five-year, $241 million extension this summer, could also become a pivotal figure in any potential blockbuster trade scenario. However, any such move would require his approval.
Even if the Lakers ultimately fall short in their pursuit of Antetokounmpo, their involvement could still significantly impact the market. As Amick added, “Even if they ultimately fall short of landing him, that sort of well-publicized pressure typically signals to other suitors that they’d better be prepared to come with serious offers.”
The Lakers’ pursuit of Antetokounmpo is not without its complexities. The Bucks have shown no public indication of being willing to trade their star player, and other teams are likely to emerge as contenders. However, the Lakers’ combination of financial resources, draft capital, and star power positions them as a serious threat to land one of the NBA’s most coveted players.
Whether they ultimately succeed in acquiring Antetokounmpo or not, the Lakers appear poised to be at the center of one of the most compelling storylines of the offseason as they attempt to reshape the franchise’s future.
