Just a few years back, the Milwaukee Bucks were on top of the world as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. lifted the 2021 NBA Championship. The trio of Kris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Giannis seemed destined for more greatness. Fast forward to this season, the Bucks have won just one playoff series since that win, and Middleton and Holiday are no longer with the team. To make things worse, after being knocked out by the same Pacers team twice in two consecutive seasons, the Greek Freak’s new co-star in Milwaukee, Damian Lillard, has suffered a devastating injury. With him out for a significant amount, calls for Giannis to leave Milwaukee for a better team in a bigger market have started to mount.

Some believe Giannis should request a trade as soon as possible after another disappointing season in Milwaukee. While that does seem like the best option for the Bucks and Antetokounmpo, where should he go if he wants to part ways with the Bucks? “Does Giannis ask out? If he does, does he have a list? I poked around a little bit a few days ago, and the initial thing I got from one person was just like some rumblings that it’s already just the big cities,” NBA insider Howard Beck said on The Zach Lowe Show.

“One of the LA teams or one of the New York teams or maybe Miami. Not a big market, but a glamour market, mid-size market.” Beck suggested that, according to his sources, the Greek superstar’s next move is set to be in a bigger market such as LA. The Los Angeles Lakers already made what is being touted as ‘the trade of the century’ earlier this season by acquiring Luka Doncic. Can they pull something like that again in the offseason?

Well, the Lakers are exploring the market after their own first-round exit. Moreover, the trio of James, Doncic, and Antetokounmpo does sound like a scary sight for the rest of the league. However, before you get your expectations too high, let’s explore the obstacles surrounding the blockbuster trade. Firstly, there’s a financial hurdle. The Lakers are already projected to be within touching distance of the $195.9 million first apron next season. If they cross that, they won’t be able to take back more salary than they send out.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is on a three-year $175 million extension and is set to make around $54.1 million next season. Rui Hachimura is LA’s highest-paid player after Doncic and James, and he’s only set to earn around $18.3 million. So, to match the Milwaukee forward’s salary, LA might have to give up several of its rotational pieces.

Even if they manage to do so, the other problem will be offers from their competition. Teams like Houston, OKC, and even the Spurs have all the assets to easily field a better offer than them. So, it seems unlikely that they might land Giannis. However, we’ve seen crazier things happen in the league, so you never know. In the meantime, the Lakers are taking care of the task at hand by making a decision on Luka Doncic.

The Lakers provide a massive update on Luka Doncic’s future

Ever since the Los Angeles Lakers landed Luka Doncic, he’s been an integral part of their team. In fact, you could argue that he’s been the best player for the Lakers. Doncic has averaged 28.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game in the small number of games he’s played for the Purple & Gold. He currently has two more years on his deal and is set to earn a whopping $46 million next season. Moreover, he has a player option worth $49 million for the campaign after that. There has been plenty of talk about his future, but he’s made it clear multiple times that he wants to remain in Southern California for the foreseeable future.

The 26-year-old reportedly is making that official by signing a massive $229 million four-year extension with the Lakers, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN. While there has been no confirmation from LA’s front office, they are confident about striking a deal with the Slovenian point guard. A major reason he was brought to the Lakers was to become the long-term replacement as the face of the franchise for LeBron James. He is yet to completely prove himself in this regard, as he’s been phenomenal on the offensive end but has struggled on defense. Nonetheless, it’s great news for the Lakers.

Meanwhile, it brings a huge test for Doncic for the upcoming season. A major reason he was traded by the Mavericks was reported to be his weight and conditioning issues. Doncic has been troubled by lower leg injuries this season, and it’s something he has to work on during this offseason. It will be interesting to see how the Lakers surround Doncic, as after their postseason struggles, it has become evident that Doncic and James need help, especially at the five.

We’ll have to wait and watch how LA plans to improve after locking down Doncic for the future.