The Milwaukee Bucks’ offseason just got a lot more dramatic following a report from respected NBA Insider Shams Charania that Giannis Antetokounmpo is open to exploring the possibility of leaving the franchise this summer. While we are still far away from any real traction on a possible trade, the rumor mill that has circulated rumors about Giannis finding a new team has been rejuvenated. On Monday, Charania spoke on the Up and Adams show with host Kay Adams about Antetokounmpo potentially heading to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Milwaukee Bucks fans have a lot of evidence that Giannis Antetokounmpo will not force a move out of Milwaukee. The star has said in the past that the team would have to “kick [him] out” before he would ever request at trade. However, on Monday, NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo’s camp is exploring options.
In terms of who would be interested, Charania reported that the list of teams monitoring the situation is not exactly short.
“I think every team in the NBA is gonna do their due diligence on Giannis Antetokounmpo.”
Trade proposals for Antetokounmpo have been rampant online in recent weeks, with teams like the San Antonio Spurs, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Houston Rockets all having been suggested. While they all seem like sensible destinations with some reasoning behind them, one team that always seems to be part of dramatic moves for star players is the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers are brought up as a destination for seemingly every star player with a hint of wanting to find a new team, regardless of how unrealistic. In some sense, it’s hard to blame Lakers fans for wanting to dream big after they somehow acquired Luka Dončić earlier this season. Is there a world where they could be in play for Antetokounmpo as well?
The same day that Charania’s report made the round social media, giving NBA analysts, experts, and fans fuel to speculate and imagine Giannis Antetokounmpo shifting the landscape of the league, Charania went on the popular sports show Up and Adams. Speaking with host Kay Adams, Charania elaborated on the details of Giannis’ situation.
“Even Giannis doesn’t know where he wants to go right now.”
After giving Adams in the inside scoop on Antetokounmpo’s past comments, as well as the context of the franchise’s other star player, Damian Lillard, who is set to miss plenty of time due to an Achilles tear, Adams mischievously asserted that Giannis to the Lakers was a forgone conclusion.
Shams…
So… Giannis to the Lakers? @ShamsCharania @UpAndAdamsShow pic.twitter.com/L0q0e7Z7l1
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) May 12, 2025
Charania could not help but laugh in response, but then gave a earnest answer to the prospect of the Lakers going out and acquiring Antetokounmpo.
“I don’t think that would be something that I would be putting all my money on if I were you, Kay, but, do what you got to do.”
The Lakers are certainly not going to be at the top of the list of most likely destinations. In due time, a list of teams with the most interest in pursuing Antetokounmpo will surely be made public, but for now, fans of all 29 other teams can dream about their squad landing one of the most talented players in league history.
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