Multiple NBA teams are putting together their best offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo. For some teams, that best possible package of assets will have to be delayed until the offseason. One such team is the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers and Antetokounmpo reportedly have some level of mutual interest in teaming up. However, the Lakers don’t have an attractive trade package to offer for the Milwaukee Bucks superstar at the trade deadline. Los Angeles can only trade one first-round pick now, and they don’t have enticing young prospects to offer Milwaukee.
In the offseason, the Lakers would be able to offer up to three first-round picks. In addition, Los Angeles could absorb Antetokounmpo’s contract into cap space, without Milwaukee having to take back potentially unwanted salary.