The Los Angeles Lakers are known to make big splashes in free agency, trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo would just add to the long legacy of big fish in small markets that move to Hollywood and the bright lights of Los Angeles going to a global brand team in the L.A. Lakers.
The small market Milwaukee Bucks are financially strapped with Damian Lillard carrying a salary of nearly $ 60 million. Leaving the Milwaukee Bucks without room under the salary cap to build around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In years past the Los Angeles Lakers have made blockbuster trades with the Milwaukee Bucks. On June 16th, 1975 the the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Welt Wesley from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Elmore Smith, Brian Winters, Junior Bridgeman and Dave Myers.
The trade forever changed the trajectory of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar went on to win five NBA championships with the showtime Los Angeles Lakers. The deal was completed eight months after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar requested a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks.
Rob Pelinka pulled off one of the most jaw-dropping trades in decades, landing Luka Doncic and sending star power forward Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. A trade that shook up the NBA community.
Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka and Dallas Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison reportedly meant to continue negotiations on the Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis trade in a secret meeting. LeBron James is set to enter year 23 of his illustrious career, spanning over two decades with 4 NBA Championships.
LeBron and the Los Angeles Lakers could look to be on a year-to-year evaluation, seeing how LeBron feels and when James wants to retire. If LeBron decides to hang it up in a year or two, the perfect bridge to replace LeBron in the frontcourt would be the addition of a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Two players in Giannis and LeBron who play essentially the same position would make for a seamless transition for the Los Angeles Lakers when the time comes for the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James to part ways, and for LeBron to enjoy retirement from the NBA.