The Los Angeles Lakers are a “very viable threat” to land Giannis Antetokounmpo should the Milwaukee Bucks wait until this offseason to trade the 31-year-old, sources told Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
The Lakers would use their projected salary cap space to facilitate a deal for Antetokounmpo.
It was reported earlier in the day that LeBron James, who is on an expiring deal worth $52.6 million, is expected to also remain with the team through the deadline.
The Bucks could also decide to push any decision surrounding Antetokounmpo to this offseason in hopes of landing a high lottery pick. The team could then leverage the pick to trade for a star to play alongside Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks do not control their pick in the 2026 draft, with the Hawks receiving the more favorable selection between Milwaukee’s pick and the one from the Pelicans.