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NBA Legend Dwight Howard Sends Lakers Pitch to Injured Giannis Antetokounmpo

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Dec 3, 2025 10:26 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks received terrible news on Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons. All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo left the game early in the first quarter after suffering a non-contact injury. The Greek Freak had to head to the locker room, and the Bucks confirmed that he won't return to the game due to a calf strain.

Amid trade rumors circulating about the Bucks and Antetokounmpo, the star's health is the top priority. The star is the team's best player, and losing him to injury isn't a good look. However, the franchise wants to ensure the 2021 Finals MVP is 100% healthy.

Most of the talk about Antetokounmpo is about his health. However, one NBA legend took the chance to recruit him to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34).© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

After Antetokounmpo left the contest, former star Dwight Howard posted a tweet on X, joking about how the Bucks star should take his time recovering from the injury.

"Aye Giannis don’t go trying to play on that calf strain just take your time and get back right Lake Show need you !" Howard posted.

Aye Giannis don’t go trying to play on that calf strain just take your time and get back right Lake Show need you !
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) December 4, 2025

Howard sees Antetokounmpo as a potential co-star for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. However, the Lakers haven't been linked to the trade rumors with the Bucks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has started to pick up momentum in trade conversations

On Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have started conversations regarding his future. With the lack of success in Milwaukee this season, the nine-time All-Star wants to make the most of his prime to stay competitive.

However, head coach Doc Rivers shut down any trade talk about the star forward. He spoke to the media before their game against the Pistons.

“So here we go again. There have been no conversations,” Rivers said. “I want to make it clear, I would say one more time, but for the 50th time. . .Giannis has never asked to be traded, ever. I can’t make that more clear.”

Antetokounmpo has yet to comment on the rumors swirling around him.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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