NBA Fans Scoff at Latest Lakers Trade Rumors on Giannis Antetokounmpo Package: “Is Nico running the Bucks?”

TThe latest Lakers trade rumors suggest they are willing to offload all their tradeable first-round picks and swaps for Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers could include the 2026 first-round pick (No. 25), the 2031 first-round pick, the 2033 first-round pick and the 2028, 2030 and 2032 pick swaps.

Charania said the Lakers also have cap flexibility to absorb Antetokounmpo’s contract. On the surface level, a package with three first-round picks can seem appealing. However, in such scenarios, the value of those picks matters. In the Lakers’ case, they won’t be flirting with the lottery any time soon if Luka Doncic and Antetokounmpo team up.

The picks in 2031 and 2033 won’t be valuable. The 25th pick in this year’s draft sums up the Lakers’ likely draft selections in 2031 and 2033. Meanwhile, the swaps won’t mean much, either, as Milwaukee will likely have the better picks in 2028, 2030 and 2032.

The cap absorption factor is enticing as the Bucks won’t need to accept contracts they don’t fancy. However, the rest of the package needs to hold enough value and even if the Lakers were to throw in player assets, their offer could fall short of other interested teams.

The Lakers’ best asset is Austin Reaves, who is 27. His timeline won’t match a rebuild in Milwaukee. The same goes for Rui Hachimura. Soon-to-be second-year forward Adou Thiero is LA’s best young player, but he’s a former second-round pick who hasn’t shown the qualities of a blue-chip prospect.

Given the issues the Lakers could face with their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, NBA fans scoffed at the potential framework reported by Shams Charania.

One fan revisited the Lakers’ questionable deal with former Mavericks GM Nico Harrison to land Luka Doncic in February 2025, saying:

“Why would Milwaukee trade him for only two first-round picks? Is Nico running the Bucks?”

“‘Ability to absorb Giannis contract’ listed as part of LA’s trade package is all you need to know. Let’s move on to things that could actually happen,” another said.

One fan joked that such a package wouldn’t even be good enough to land a player of Dillon Brooks’ caliber:

“LMFAO, that isn’t getting Dillon Brooks”

One fan compared it to the Heat’s reported trade package of Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, No. 13 pick and two future first-round picks, saying:

“A late first + 2 first and no good young players. Basically, a way worse version of the Heat deal.”

Another said:

“LMAO, would rather have Miami’s offer of Ware, Herro and Jamie can actually build around that.”

NBA trade rumors suggest Lakers will contend Celtics and three others for Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Lakers will face stiff competition in their reported pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers’ arch rivals, the Celtics, are among those eyeing a blockbuster move for the two-time MVP. The other candidates include the Knicks, Timberwolves and Heat.

All five teams’ packages would vary significantly. The Celtics could arguably have the best package. They could also have the biggest appeal for Antetokounmpo, given that they are closer to forming a roster that can. make the finals led by an MVP candidate like Jayson Tatum.

The Knicks are another team with the best chance of winning the Eastern Conference finals next year. They are two wins away this season from returning to the summit for the first time since 1999. However, the Knicks don’t have a draft chest after spending most of their picks on acquiring Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. The Timberwolves have a couple of young players, such as Jaden McDaniels, Ayo Dosunmu (sign-and-trade) and Terrence Shannon Jr., to lure the Bucks. However, it remains unclear whether Antetokounmpo would want to switch to the Western Conference. The Heat’s ceiling could be the lowest among these teams, but the city could intrigue Giannis Antetokounmpo. Miami also has a package worth considering. Meanwhile, a frontcourt duo of Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo could prove decisive in changing the landscape of the conference. They are also odds-on-favorites to land the former NBA champion. Also read: Timberwolves Rumors: Anthony Edwards Recruiting Kyrie Irving, Jason Kidd-Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Join