Giannis Antetokounmpo has become the most coveted player for several NBA franchises. Rumors about his departure from the Milwaukee Bucks have been constant since late 2025, and now, in the early months of 2026, they continue to circulate.
But everything was suddenly cooled by the Greek star’s current franchise, as he remained with the Bucks, who were unwilling to let him leave. Still, receiving a firm no only fueled the desire of some teams to bring him into their ranks, regardless of the obstacles.
According to ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin, in Los Angeles, the candle remains lit for the European superstar to join their lineup this summer.
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains under contract with the Milwaukee Bucks
Although many franchises pushed to bring him in, the reality is that the Greek forward remains under contract with the Bucks through the 2027-28 season, which includes a $62.7 million player option.
That is why next season could present the opportunity for a transfer, and if that happens, the Lakers would be ready to move quickly to add him to their roster.
The Lakers, team sources told ESPN, obviously see the appeal in Antetokounmpo and believe they would be one of the teams on a very short list if the Bucks star asks for a trade out of Milwaukee.
McMenamin wrote.
If that scenario materializes, it would unite two of the NBA’s brightest and most dynamic stars: Giannis and Luka Doncic. This is the major objective of the Lakers’ front office amid the uncertainty surrounding LeBron James and his age, which points toward retirement in the near future.
Look, I can’t predict the future.”…”I love wearing that jersey. I will never, ever disrespect people that have helped me.
What I’ve said from the beginning of this year, you will never hear me say, ‘I want a trade, or this or that.’ And I feel like sometimes, when I say that, people don’t listen to what I’m saying. And they go and listen to everything around me-the Giannis camp.
Antetokounmpo said in an interview with ESPN reporter Malika Andrews.
Antetokounmpo makes clear where his true love lies
For the Greek star, things are simple when it comes to deciding about the future, and it has nothing to do with any NBA franchise.
I have no camp.”… “My camp is my wife, my kids, my brothers. That’s my camp.
He has also made it clear that his commitment to the Bucks is unique and that he remains loyal to the team that selected him in the draft. At least for now, he does not want anything else on his mind besides focusing on his current team.
Although the postseason options appear to be slipping away for the Bucks, their star player remains calm in the face of rumors and, at least from his side, does nothing to fuel them.
