The Los Angeles Lakers have nine players, including veteran LeBron James, on expiring contracts. And as the 41-year-old’s future remains uncertain, they’re looking to build around Luka Doncic. Recent insider chatter, though, suggests that the LA train may halt at Milwaukee this offseason. It is no surprise that for 12 months, the contractual situation around Giannis Antetokounmpo has been an utter mess. But the Milwaukee Bucks owners have issued an internal deadline, something that the Purple and Gold will keep a keen eye on.

The last time, the Bucks owners did an interview with ESPN amid turmoil around their franchise centerpiece, Jimmy Haslam, set in stone a clear “six or seven weeks” timeline to “decide whether Giannis is going to sign a max contract and stay with us or he’s going to play somewhere else.” It has been a chaotic affair between Antetokounmpo and his team’s front office, which repeatedly denied there was any friction. But by issuing a sudden deadline and using phrases like they understand the “gravity of that call,” many were able to read between the lines.

So, how have the Lakers entered this conversation? ESPN’s Shams Charania said on The Rich Eisen Show, “Nothing has changed about [Haslam’s] stance. And so that would lead you to believe that the Bucks will then obviously seriously consider these offers, that they are officially open for business. And you’re going to see teams like Miami, Minnesota, Boston, the Lakers will be… the Lakers expressed interest in Giannis at the deadline.”

LA’s potential trade package for Giannis will be:

• 25th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft
• Two unprotected first-round picks (2031/2033)
• Pick swaps
•  And cap flexibility to absorb the Greek Freak’s contract

Giannis has a $58.5 million salary next season, but also has the $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. That is why the Bucks are eager to either trade or secure a long-term extension. This saga actually picked up pace last May when the player reportedly expressed interest in a move away. All Antetokounmpo wanted was to find the right fit. But things escalated as the summer went on, particularly when he informed the Bucks that he wanted to play for the New York Knicks. Back then, Milwaukee believed it would be a contender in the East, too, and didn’t really advance past preliminary talks with the Knicks in August.

Now, their holding onto Antetokounmpo hinged on one factor. Winning. But after a past season of dysfunction, with the Bucks finishing outside the postseason at 32-50, internal tension was expected to hit the ceiling. And it’s been a build-up of factors, like the franchise not winning a playoff series since 2022. Yes, they saw glimpses of success with Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard, but with the two of them gone and Giannis facing injury problems last season, there was no one to save the Bucks. But there was a slight twist in the tale, with the team’s recent move, regardless of the ultimatum.

Milwaukee swiftly parted ways with Doc Rivers after the horrible season and joined forces with Taylor Jenkins over a hefty six-year contract. He was also the most sought-after candidate on the market. According to ESPN, the Bucks are also open to making a splash, again, to convince Giannis to stay. They have the 10th overall pick in the draft, two other future first-rounders, and tradable contracts such as those of Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma.

Last offseason, Milwaukee waived Lillard and stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract over five seasons to bring in Myles Turner on a four-year, $108 million deal in another all-in move. It makes it clear that General Manager Jon Horst has been working on parallel paths for over a year, preparing for life with and without Giannis. According to NBA reporter Gery Woelfel, Pat Riley’s front office is preparing a big offer centered on young talent and draft capital.

Milwaukee could potentially receive Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 draft, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2033 first-round pick from the Miami Heat. This package reflects a clear “win-now meets rebuild compensation” approach, combining established scoring with developmental upside and draft assets. That brings to mind a further question…

There are multiple teams that can offer the Bucks a blue-chip star in return, which the Lakers currently lack. So, Shams’ report of them being ready to offer unprotected first-rounders might not exactly be anywhere close to a coveted lottery pick or a developed asset. For now, the Lakers appear to be moving towards an attacking core headlined by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. That’s because LeBron James’ future is uncertain.

Recent reports have linked James to the Cleveland Cavaliers. To add more fuel to it, LeBron liked an Instagram post from his uncle that featured a “come home” tag with his picture wearing the Cavaliers jersey from 2018. Previously, insider Charania stated that “multiple contenders” are open to offering a contract to the 41-year-old veteran. But reporter Brandon Robinson was certain and revealed there is some mutual interest between him and the Cavs for a homecoming. The decision-making for the LA front office, though, involves significant input from their six-time All-Star.

What is Luka Doncic saying about the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade?

Giannis Antetokounmpo is undeniably one of the superstars worth chasing and rebuilding around. He has played all 13 of his NBA seasons in Milwaukee and holds every major statistical record in franchise history. Since the last off-season in LA, Luka Doncic personally called Marcus Smart and convinced Deandre Ayton to join the franchise. And this year, Rob Pelinka mentioned that the Slovenian will play a collaborative role in building the team. So far, Doncic has hinted at the potential of continuing his partnership with his scoring partner. The Athletic’s recent report suggests exactly that.

“Doncic has made it clear to the Lakers that he would like to continue playing with Reaves,” the report stated. “Multiple league sources said that belief was best illustrated when Doncic told people within the organization that he wouldn’t want Reaves included in any potential trade packages for Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo.”

Reaves is on a four-year, $53.8 million contract, and for the 2026-27 season, entering a player option of $14.89 million. Many predict he will decline that and wait for the $30 million-a-year package.

“[Reaves] started his journey here as a Laker and has made it very clear to us that he wants his journey to continue as a Laker,” Pelinka said after the season. “Both sides have made it abundantly clear that we want to work something out where he continues his prolific career here.”

But the problem is that if LA doesn’t offer AR out, their ability to offer any significant star in return decreases, a roadblock in their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo.