In a TV interview, it appeared that two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo hinted at joining forces with the Los Angeles Lakers superstars.
He explained his interest in joining up with some of the league’s best players.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis were two names that he specifically mentioned, along with Nets star Kevin Durant.
However, his message centered around these players coming to Milwaukee, where Antetokounmpo has become the face of the franchise.
“If LeBron, KD, or AD want to join me in Milwaukee, I will be happy,” Antetokounmpo said. “I don’t care about being number one.”
This is an interesting statement as the 25-year-old is set to become a free agent following this season.
In the last four seasons, Antetokounmpo has become one of the league’s best players.
He is one of the most dominant forces and athletic freaks the game has seen.
At 6-foot-11, he has the size of a center.
However, he has the athleticism of a smaller guard, becoming a playmaker that can bully his way to the paint.
Highlight plays are light work for Giannis 😤 pic.twitter.com/qtpL4BPC2r
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 29, 2020
The last two seasons have been especially remarkable for Antetokounmpo, winning back-to-back MVP awards.
He has become a nightly 25 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists per night player, and seems to only be improving.
Last year, he started taking more threes per game.
While his percentage remains at a lowly 30.4%, an improvement on the perimeter would make him one of the biggest offensive threats in NBA history.
The Lakers’ Courtship
The Lakers’ name has constantly been tied to Antetokounmpo’s as he approaches free agency.
A dream scenario has played out in fans’ heads that sees him pairing up with James and Davis.
Listen to what Giannis had to say a year ago about Anthony Davis and LA 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/AMw78X7qpo
— 🏀 Vino (@VinoUncorked) December 1, 2020
While this seems unrealistic, his comments in the interview show a clear desire to play with them.
He has nothing but praise for James, whom he views as an idol.
“LeBron is the best in the world, MVP is another story,” Antetokounmpo said. “I can tell that he is the best and my idol.”
If the Lakers wanted to make a run for the two-time MVP, James and Davis would need to rework their contracts.
This may be what the delay in signing Davis has been.
“It’s unusual for AD to delay his re-signing for this long,” ESPN writer Brian Windhorst said. “And one of the things he could be watching is what Giannis does.”
If Antetokounmpo doesn’t sign an extension, Davis may take a short deal that can be reworked next offseason.
Another incentive for him to join the Lakers would be playing with his younger brother, Kostas.
The two share a very close relationship, and Giannis was proud when Kostas won a ring with the Lakers.
Other Options for Giannis
Besides the Lakers, many teams are sitting and watching what Antetokounmpo does.
The Golden State Warriors are one team that would welcome him with open arms.
The Dallas Mavericks have a slot for the forward, as they would instantly create one of the best super teams with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.
NBA Finals runners-up the Miami Heat and GM Pat Riley have been known to go after big superstars in free agency.
They could be a destination for Antetokounmpo.
He could also just resign a long-term deal with the Bucks, where he does enjoy playing.
The last two weeks have been filled with chatter that Giannis Antetokounmpo indeed plans to sign his five-year supermax with the Bucks before the Dec. 21 deadline to do so …
The Bucks just made a trade that suggests they must believe it
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 17, 2020
No matter what team ends up landing him, the sweepstakes for Antetokounmpo will be competitive.
It will be interesting to see where how the reigning MVP approaches it.
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