The Milwaukee Bucks just flamed out in the first round — again. After getting bounced 4-1 by the Pacers, the Wisconsin-based team has now seen three straight early exits since winning it all in 2021. And with Giannis Antetokounmpo still in his prime, questions are starting to heat up: how much longer will “The Greek Freak” stick around before looking for a real shot at another ring?
If he were to listen to Carlos Boozer, he should look to join a team that is not only a piece away from attaining a championship but also building a dynasty for the upcoming years. Hence, take your talents to join Luka Doncic in Los Angeles.
Averaging 20.4 points and 11.9 rebounds per game this season, the two-time MVP is one of the most physically dominant and imposing big men in the NBA. Despite his hard work on both ends of the floor, it seems like Milwaukee’s championship window has already shut, and Damian Lillard’s Achilles tear was the last nail in the coffin.
Moreover, considering the 6’11” forward’s priority focus on winning a title in his prime, a move to a championship-contending team makes sense, and what better than Doncic?
While the five-time All-Star may have defensive flaws, his elite scoring prowess and his knack for making plays for his teammates make “Greak Freak” an ideal pick-and-roll threat next to him. The nine-time All-Star can elevate a team’s winning prowess by becoming a solid rim protector and elevating their superiority on the glass.
As a result, on an episode of “Get Up,” Boozer didn’t hesitate to advise Antetokounmpo to consider building a solid, long-term duo with “The Don” in Hollywood.
“If Giannis doesn’t want to come to Milwaukee, it’s really up to him. But that would revitalize the Miami fanbase. They have lots of really good players, but they don’t have that ‘guy,'” Boozer said. “But if I’m Giannis and if I don’t want to go back to Milwaukee, maybe play with Luka, maybe go to L.A… If he wants to win.”
Is there a chance?
A trio of Luka, Giannis, and LeBron James sounds unbeatable on paper. With their combined basketball IQ and experience, it seems unlikely that this Big Three wouldn’t lift the Larry O’Brien trophy, especially with “The King’s” leadership to guide two of the best players of the next generation.
However, as often seen in the modern-day NBA, too many stars can complicate matters. With Doncic already having to share ball-handling duties with Austin Reaves, another ball-dominant player like Giannis could force him to not play his natural game.
It’s also worth noting that the 6’11” forward’s three-year contract extension with the Bucks hasn’t even kicked in yet, which will limit his leverage in wanting a way out. So, for the 2021 Finals MVP to leave, he would have to make things dirty and force a way out. Even if he is able to do that, on the Lakers’ end, acquiring the Greek International star would come at a steep price.
To have any chance at landing, the Purple and Gold would most likely have to part ways with quality young players like Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, and even AR, perhaps, along with more assetsAntetokounmpo. They would risk trading away their entire bench depth just to acquire one superstar.
A Luka–Giannis–Bron trio might sound like a cheat code, but pulling it off would take serious maneuvering. The Bucs legend is still under contract, and the Lakers would have to gut their roster just to start the conversation. As fun as it is to imagine, this move might stay exactly that — a fantasy.
