Giannis Antetokounmpo. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Lakers confident in pursuit of 'big prize' Giannis Antetokounmpo

By Zachary Wolpin | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 11:58 AM ET

Despite continuing speculation on Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks, the team did not part ways with the two-time NBA MVP.

During All-Star weekend, ESPN aired an interview with Antetokounmpo and Malika Andrews. He mentioned his commitment to the Bucks for the rest of the season. However, it's uncertain what the future holds beyond this year.

On Tuesday morning, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that the Los Angeles Lakers have a real interest in acquiring Antetokounmpo. McMenamin said Los Angeles believes it is on the short list of teams Giannis would ask to be traded to.

The Lakers reportedly believe they have a good shot at Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, per @mcten

“The Lakers, team sources told ESPN, obviously see the appeal in Antetokounmpo and believe they would be one of the teams on a very short list if the Bucks star asks for a… pic.twitter.com/RGX0O75tte
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 17, 2026

How realistic is it for the Los Angeles Lakers to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo?

At the 2025-26 trade deadline, the Lakers were relatively quiet. That was strategic by Los Angeles. The only trade the Lakers made was sending Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to the Hawks for Luke Kennard.

The 2026 offseason is one of the most important for the Lakers in a very long time. Several key players are set to become free agents this offseason, including LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Los Angeles' finish to the season will be telling for its offseason moves.

According to McMenamin, the Lakers are expected to retain Austin Reaves this summer. McMenamin said one player the Lakers will continue to target is Antetokounmpo, with one Western Conference exec telling ESPN that Giannis is the "big prize" the Lakers hope to land.

Waiting until the 2026 offseason was a strategic move by the Lakers. By doing so, they have three tradable first-round picks and roughly $51 million in projected cap space. We'll have to wait and see how aggressive Los Angeles is during the summer.

Zachary Wolpin

Zach Wolpin is an NBA and NFL writer who covers league news, trends, and daily storylines across professional sports. He has several years of experience writing about both leagues, with work published at outlets including Sir Charles In Charge, G-Men HQ, and TAPinto South Plainfield. Wolpin is a graduate of Montclair State University, where he earned a degree in Sports Media and Writing

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