The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves sitting at home watching the NBA playoffs like the rest of us. However, if everything goes their way this off-season, they could be NBA Finals-bound next season. The Lakers have clear flaws and the assets needed to address them this summer, but one dream trade target may be more available than first thought.
According to NBA insider Howard Beck, Giannis Antetokounmpo prefers to play in a larger market rather than a smaller or mid market one. That would seemingly knock teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Oklahoma City out of the running despite each team having plenty of upside and tons of assets.
Considering there are only so many major markets in the NBA, it's not exactly hard to imagine Giannis wanting to play for the Lakers. Los Angeles doesn't have nearly as many assets as the three aforementioned teams, but if they aren't on his list, then that doesn't matter nearly as much.
The Lakers trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo isn't so far-fetched.
Constructing a trade package for Giannis, in that scenario, wouldn't be difficult. Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, and a 2029 and 2031 first-round pick for Giannis would be the likely offer if and when he asks out. Especially after Reaves's star turn this season.
Reaves played like a star over the last third of the season, making him far more valuable, particularly with him being on a cheap contract. He alone could be worth the equivalent of two first rounds, which, combined with the two picks in the hypothetical deal, makes four.
If Giannis indeed has only big market teams on his list of potential landing spots, then that would be a game changer. In fact, that would make the Lakers' potential offer surprisingly competitive.
The Los Angeles Lakers will have competition to land Giannis Antetokounmpo
Only the Brooklyn Nets could best that offer as a big market team, but they don't have any other stars on their roster. If Giannis views the Miami Heat as a big market team, they, too, could beat out the Lakers' offer.
Even so, the Lakers are a storied franchise in a major market. Most superstars eventually end up there, and it may be too much to ask for him to pass that up and the chance to play with two elite players.
All told, if the rumor is true, then the perceived frontrunners in the Giannis sweepstakes may already be out of the running. If that is the case, then the Lakers may have a shot to land Giannis after all.