Want Giannis On The Lakers? Analyst Concocts Insane Trade To Make It Happen — Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You

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Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus recently floated one of the boldest trade concepts imaginable: a five-team deal involving the Lakers, Bucks, Mavericks, Raptors, and Nets. The swap would essentially flip James for Giannis Antetokounmpo, with ripple effects across the league.

Here’s how the deal would break down:

Lakers get:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (from Bucks)
• Olivier-Maxence Prosper (from Mavericks)
• Tyrese Martin (from Nets)
• $4 million trade exception (Dalton Knecht)
• $2 million trade exception (Bronny James)

Bucks get:

• RJ Barrett (from Raptors)
• PJ Washington, Caleb Martin, Naji Marshall (from Mavericks)
• Draft assets: 2026, 2028, 2030, 2032 pick swaps + 2031 first-rounder (via Lakers)

Mavericks get:

• LeBron James and Bronny James (from Lakers)
• Andre Jackson Jr., Tyler Smith (from Bucks)
• Drew Timme (from Nets)

Raptors get:

• Daniel Gafford (from Mavericks)
• $13.3 million trade exception (RJ Barrett)

Nets get:

• Dalton Knecht (from Lakers)
• Jaden Hardy, Dwight Powell (from Mavericks)

Pincus explained the rationale from L.A.’s perspective:

“The chance to pair Antetokounmpo with Dončić is a no-brainer for the Lakers. The relationship with James is nearing an end; L.A. didn’t offer him a two-year deal this summer, prompting James to opt in. For a superstar accustomed to almost always getting what he wants contractually, James has obviously noticed the shift from the James to Dončić eras.”

Could It Really Happen?

Let’s be clear: this is based on Lakers trade rumors. There is zero indication that Antetokounmpo wants out of Milwaukee or that the Bucks are shopping him. Giannis can opt out in 2027, which gives him leverage down the road, but at least for now the Bucks are committed to contending around him.

That said, the NBA has taught us not to dismiss the improbable. Few predicted Paul George would be traded for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or that Anthony Davis would force his way to Los Angeles. If Giannis ever requested a move — and specific ally demanded L.A. — the Lakers would sprint to the phones.

The idea of pairing Luka Dončić and Giannis in purple and gold has obvious appeal. It would instantly become the franchise’s best duo since Shaq and Kobe. But the fit isn’t entirely seamless — both are ball-dominant players. As Miami proved with LeBron and Dwyane Wade, though, talent often trumps schematic concerns when the roster around them is built properly.

The LeBron Factor

For any deal like this to happen, James would need to waive his no-trade clause. That isn’t a given, but the Mavericks’ pitch is interesting: a reunion with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, pl us a chance to finish his career on a contender in Dallas.

There have also been whispers that James isn’t thrilled with how the Lakers have handled his twilight years — whether it’s not offering him a two-year extension, failing to field a true contender, or shifting organizational focus toward Doncic.

Still, moving on from LeBron would be a monumental decision for the Lakers. Even at 40, he averaged elite numbers last season and remains the face of the league.

Lakers Trade Rumors: The Bottom Line

As intriguing as Pincus’ mega-deal is, it remains squarely in the “fun thought experiment” category. The Bucks aren’t eager to part with Giannis, and James’ future with L.A. is still fluid.

But the trade does spotlight a bigger truth: the Lakers are preparing for a post-LeBron world. Whether that next era is built around Doncic, a pipe dream like Antetokounmpo, or someone else entirely, Los Angeles won’t sit idle.

For now, chalk this up as a fantasy blockbuster. Still — if Giannis ever makes noise about leaving Milwaukee, don’t be shocked if the Lakers are at the front of the line.