While eight teams are battling it out for the championship, for the others, the offseason is unofficially underway. One of these teams is the Los Angeles Lakers, tipped to be among the favorites. The Purple & Gold’s season came to a disappointing end, as they were defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. After a disappointing end to the season, the Lakers have already shifted their focus to the next one as they aim to lift their 18th NBA championship. However, to achieve that, Los Angeles needs to address several gaps in their roster. A crucial offseason awaits the LA front office. But, how will they approach it?

The first thing that pops up at the top of anyone’s mind is their need for a starting-caliber center. However, they also need to address a few more spots, but the problem is these types of players don’t come for cheap. With almost no room to wiggle within the salary cap, it won’t be easy for the Lakers to make big moves unless they are willing to make a sacrifice. The one thing that we’ve learnt this season is that no one is “untouchable” in the league anymore. But, if you were to name players, Los Angeles won’t be listening to any offers for are LeBron James and Luka Doncic. So, anyone not named Luka or LeBron is on the table, including Austin Reaves.

In fact, according to sports journalist Bill Simmons, Reaves is a potential candidate. Ever since the Lakers found this diamond in the rough, the shooting guard has elevated his game every season. This season was the best-ever for the 26-year-old as he finished it averaging 20.2 points and 5.8 assists per game. So, trading Austin Reaves might come as a massive surprise, but Simmons seems quite confident about the move happening ahead of the upcoming season. “When Reaves gets traded this summer — and he WILL get traded – the stuff they [Lakers] get back for him is gonna make it seem worse that they [Mavericks] didn’t get him in the trade,” Simmons stated on his podcast, ‘The Bill Simmons Podcast.’

This could be an indication of Rob Pelinka and the rest of the LA Lakers’ front office’s attempt to land Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar, for the first time in his entire career, has remained open-minded for a move, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Well, he could definitely bolster the Lakers’ roster with his incredible athleticism and two-way prowess. The Lakers will view this move as both a win-now and one for the future, as we know how good the two-time MVP already is. Moreover, he’ll also build the foundation alongside Luka Doncic for the franchise’s future. Just the idea of seeing the trio of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo has sent the Lakers nation into a frenzy. “Welcome to the Lakers, Giannis,” one fan wrote on X.

The fans are already set to welcome Giannis Antetokounmpo in Southern California, as the internet reacts to this massive news.

Major Giannis Antetokounmpo update sends Lakers nation into a frenzy

As soon as Shams Charania gave an update on Giannis’ situation in Milwaukee, every fan wanted their team to approach the Bucks for a trade. However, the Lakers’ nation was on top of the list, with the LA fans feeling pretty confident about the Greek superstar landing in Southern California. “Deals ready, let’s get these rings,” one fan commented. He attached an edited picture of Giannis Antetokounmpo in a Lakers uniform alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Indeed, it would be a scary sight for the rest of the league as the fans urged Rob Pelinka and Co. to land the Milwaukee forward.

Meanwhile, other fans gave the others a reality check. “This is why mfs hate us lol we’re not getting him.” Yes, as much as the Lakers faithful want to see LeBron, Giannis, and Luka hoop in Los Angeles, the assets needed to strike a deal are something LA does not possess. Currently, Giannis is set to earn a whopping $48.8 million in the upcoming season, and that will go up to $62 million in the 2026-27 season. Here’s the problem: the Lakers are already $36 million over the cap with James and Doncic’s massive contracts. Moreover, they will have to get rid of almost their entire roster to even make the financials work, but they will also not guarantee them the trade.

At the same time, another fan echoed similar thoughts. “This won’t work. Giannis deserves way better, lol,” A fan emphasized. He pointed out that Giannis Antetokounmpo deserves a way better deal than the one the Lakers could offer. Indeed, while Rob Pelinka and Co. could salvage a deal together to put it on the table, it might be taken over by their competition, who have much more assets and flexibility, such as the Houston Rockets or even the San Antonio Spurs. After hearing this, a deal seems way too tricky for the Lakers to pull off. However, one follower reminded everyone that “At this point anything can happen.” As he made sure that the Lakers just pulled the trade of the century this season. So, if anyone can, it would certainly be LA.

But can they do this the second time? Only time will tell.