Is Luka Doncic Pushing the Lakers to Get Giannis?

The Los Angeles Lakers have a brand new identification, and it now facilities round Luka Dončić, a celebrity decided not simply to win video games however to reshape the franchise.

After engineering key roster strikes with DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart, Dončić reportedly has set his sights on a good larger goal: two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Of course, this dream acquisition would require the sacrifice of many gamers. It’s solely a matter of time till LA is prepared for this transition if the rumors show true.

Luka Dončić’s Leverage Increases Within the Lakers Organization

Since arriving, Dončić has made himself the face of the Lakers, and his affect extends far past the ground now. According to Fox32 Chicago’s Lou Canellis, Dončić has actively inspired the Lakers entrance workplace to pursue Antetokounmpo. His push got here amid studies that Giannis briefly entertained the thought of leaving Milwaukee earlier this yr.

Canellis talked about that the Lakers and Knicks had been within the combine, with Dončić reaching out personally. Milwaukee reportedly turned down early affords, together with one with Karl-Anthony Towns because the centerpiece, and declined additional discussions.

“Giannis wants to leave because he wants to win.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Uncertain Future in Milwaukee

With the continued struggles of the Bucks, now firmly close to the underside of the Eastern Conference play-in race, Giannis and his agent have formally begun discussions with the group about his long-term future.

ESPN’s Shams Charania mentioned {that a} decision could possibly be reached within the coming weeks, an vital growth for a group sitting at 9–13.

Adding to the uncertainty, Giannis suffered a calf pressure anticipated to sideline him for as much as a month. Coach Doc Rivers pushed again on the commerce chatter, insisting Giannis has by no means requested out, however NBA insiders aren’t shopping for it. With the Bucks falling to eleventh within the East, stress continues to mount.

Analysts Doubt If Lakers Can Realistically Land Giannis

Even the potential of Antetokounmpo’s availability creates important hurdles for Los Angeles. According to NBA insiders, together with Jovan Buha, the Lakers must pursue a deal, however they might be at a big drawback going into the sweepstakes.

The largest concern is wage matching.

According to Heavy, Austin Reaves represents probably the most priceless of the commerce chips L.A. can provide, however his $13.9 million wage falls far wanting Giannis’ $54.1 million. Draft capital can also be restricted because the Lakers have just one first-round choose obtainable this season and three subsequent summer time.

Milwaukee would probably need a younger franchise cornerstone, plus a number of picks, which is simply one thing the Lakers can not provide.

A ‘Found Money’ Scenario

Dan Woike from The Athletic known as the dream state of affairs “found money,” very like how Luka got here to be a Laker unexpectedly. For this to work, Woike says issues would want to get ugly in Milwaukee, all the best way to Giannis forcing the group’s hand.

The Lakers’ greatest life like future provide? Three picks and cap flexibility. As Woike bluntly put it, the provide is there, but it surely’s not “good enough.”