That seismic move-the one that had everyone in the NBA on high alert-saw the Los Angeles Lakers do the unthinkable: land Luka Doncic. Just 25 years old, the five-time All-NBA guard had led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals-and cemented his status as one of the league’s brightest stars—very recently.
But the Lakers weren’t finished yet. They went and added another name to their roster that fans thought was utterly out of reach: Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP joins forces now with Doncic and LeBron James. The result is a trio that will redefine what a superteam looks like in the NBA. And what a team that is.
Why Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Lakers Is a Reality?
Giannis’ long-term future in Milwaukee has been the subject of much speculation for months now. Despite his incredible success with the Bucks—averaging 30.2 points, 12.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists this season—that success hasn’t quite translated to the one thing Bucks fans really want: a championship. If the team doesn’t deliver on that front, the question of whether Giannis will stick around becomes a lot more pressing.
That contract of his runs through 2028. But Giannis has all the leverage. If he does decide to leave, the Bucks are faced with a difficult decision: trade him now or risk losing him with nothing to show for it when he hits free agency in 2027. The Lakers’ offer became too good for Milwaukee to pass up.
Breaking Down the Trade Details
This blockbuster deal involved significant sacrifices from both sides:
Milwaukee Bucks Receive:
- Austin Reaves
- Rui Hachimura
- Dalton Knecht
- Jarred Vanderbilt
- 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
- 2028 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Tyler Smith
The Lakers’ decision to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn’t exactly driven by choice. His contractual leverage in Milwaukee gave the team little room to negotiate. That left the Lakers with no choice but to cough up the costly package that sealed the deal.
What This Means for the Lakers?
Once other teams had a chance to make their offers the Lakers’ trade for Giannis was all but done. And those offers – featuring younger stars or draft picks – just weren’t as good as what the Lakers put together. That was largely due to Giannis’ contract situation in Milwaukee.
Now that Giannis is on board, with Luka Doncic, the NBA is about to get a whole lot more fun. Add LeBron James to the mix – and you have a trio that could – and probably will – dominate for years. Giannis’ skillset is perfect for this duo. As a center he can guard the paint, rebound and run the floor like few others can. That fits with Doncic’s playmaking and LeBron’s all around greatness. In reality – on the court – this trio is a nightmare to match up against.
Challenges Ahead: Rebuilding the Supporting Cast
That win—landing Giannis—is huge. But there’s a price to pay. And that price is the loss of key rotation players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt. Those departures have left the Lakers’ bench looking decidedly weaker.
Now the front office has to get creative. Minimum contracts and savvy veteran signings will be the order of the day as they try to fill out the roster. Guys like Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber and Dorian Finney-Smith are going to have to step up and play critical roles. But the real challenge will be finding those cheap yet impactful contributors who can support that star trio—without breaking the bank.
Salary Cap Woes and LeBron’s Potential Pay Cut
The biggest issue for the Lakers is the salary cap. If LeBron takes a big pay cut in his next contract, they’ll have the flexibility to add one or two more pieces in free agency or trades. His decision will be the key to them staying on top for years to come.
Are the Lakers Title Favorites?
With Giannis, Luka, and LeBron on the team the Lakers are instantly a top contender for the 2025-26 title. But it all depends on how they build around them.
If they get the right pieces they could be a dynasty for years to come.