LAKERS NOT FAVORITES: WHY GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO TRADE IS UNLIKELY
Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo would have to severely damage his reputation to force a low-offer trade to the Lakers, making the deal improbable for now.
After the Lakers beat the Bucks, Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo shared a hug.
Dan Woike from The Athletic suggests that if the Los Angeles Lakers somehow landed Giannis Antetokounmpo, it would be like hitting the jackpot—similar to how Luka Dončić surprisingly ended up with them.
Woike mentioned on the Lakers Lounge podcast that the Lakers aren't in a great position to make a strong offer if Antetokounmpo asks for a trade from Milwaukee.
Woike said that the Lakers' potential trade offers aren't that appealing. For Antetokounmpo to push for a move to the Lakers, he'd pretty much have to ruin his reputation, which doesn't seem likely. He's generally well-liked, similar to how Anthony Davis was seen. It would have to get really bad for Milwaukee to accept a low offer.
Why the Lakers' Best Giannis Trade Offer Isn't Good Enough
Woike explained that the Lakers could offer three future first-round picks and some cap space next summer, but he doesn't think it's enough.
Woike stated that the Lakers' offer next summer consists of three first-round picks and cap space, but that it simply isn't good enough.
Because of the current CBA rules, Los Angeles can only trade one first-round pick at the trade deadline and a maximum of three in the offseason. Woike noted that even with the maximum offer, executives he spoke with don't believe it would be enough for Milwaukee to give up its key player.
Woike thinks the only way it could happen is in an unexpected manner, like when they acquired Luka Dončić.
LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and the Salary Matching Issue
Woike pointed out that while the Lakers have LeBron James, they need to balance their plans with their current team:
Woike said that they need to consider what they have right now.
The trade value of Austin Reaves, the Lakers’ most appealing trade asset, further complicates things. Although Reaves is playing at an All-Star level, his $13.9 million contract is much smaller than Antetokounmpo’s $54.1 million salary, creating a challenge for a trade.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha agreed that even if Reaves were earning a max salary, he might not be the kind of player Milwaukee would want for their rebuild.
Buha said that if you're in Milwaukee, Austin is more of a player to help win now. They would want a very talented young player plus several picks, something the Lakers can't currently offer.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Future Causes Excitement Across the NBA
The talks about Antetokounmpo’s future sped up after Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, started talking with the Bucks about the team's direction due to their slow start.
Charania posted that a decision is expected soon, which started even more Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumours.
Teams are expected to line up as soon as the two-time MVP says he wants to leave, but multiple insiders say the Lakers aren't the favourites.
In short: The Lakers can hope, but they aren't leading the way.
Los Angeles will keep an eye on the situation and be ready if they gets a surprising call.
However, right now, insiders agree that a big trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Lakers is unlikely. Unless the superstar makes it clear he wants to go to Los Angeles, the Lakers might not have enough to offer and could miss out on a rare opportunity.
LAKERS ON THE BRINK: LEBRON JAMES ADMITS DISAPPOINTMENT AFTER 3-0 SERIES DEFICIT
"We still have life." LeBron James remains defiant despite a brutal 131-108 loss to OKC at the Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves just one loss away from elimination after a tough 131-108 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night. Although the Lakers held a halftime lead for the second consecutive game, they again fell apart in the second half, allowing Oklahoma City to cruise to a 3-0 series lead.
LeBron James spoke after the game, highlighting the Thunder’s depth and relentless energy while emphasising that the Lakers still believe they have a chance to push the series further. The Thunder outscored Los Angeles 74-49 after halftime and once more dominated the third quarter, continuing a pattern that has largely defined this series.
“They’re solid from top to bottom,” James said after the game. “And they never take their foot off the gas.”
Oklahoma City converted at a 56 per cent clip and spread the scoring load, even though reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was only 7-of-20 from the field with 23 points. The Thunder’s supporting players reinforced the effort alongside Chet Holmgren, Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, and Alex Caruso.
LeBron pointed directly to the third quarter as the turning point for Game 3.
“Obviously, the third quarter is where it starts,” he noted. “We lacked the energy and effort, and they dropped over 30 points on us.”
Despite strong first-half performances from Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard, giving Los Angeles a one-point lead at halftime, Oklahoma City seized control right after the break, forcing turnovers and capitalising on easy transition baskets.
“In that third quarter, we couldn’t hit shots,” James admitted. “We defended but didn’t get stops, which let them take control.”
The Lakers were outscored 33-20 in that quarter alone. James managed just one field goal, while Austin Reaves went scoreless in the period.
James finished the night with 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, but his shooting was off at 7-for-19, and he posted a minus-24 plus-minus rating.
Los Angeles also turned the ball over 17 times, which led to 30 points for the Thunder. Oklahoma City outscored the Lakers 64-44 in the paint as well.
When pressed about the frustration of falling behind 3-0, James kept his response measured.
“I can’t say I’m not disappointed or angry,” he said. “You’re obviously disappointed being down 3-0, but we still have life. That’s all you can ask for. We have to be much better on Monday.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick backed up James’ take, describing Oklahoma City as an elite team in the NBA.
“They’ve beaten us three straight games,” Redick said. “They’re a really impressive basketball team.”
Redick previously drew comparisons between the Thunder and dominant teams like the 1990s Chicago Bulls and the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors. James acknowledged Oklahoma City’s versatility and depth, which have caused significant matchup problems.
“They have the right personnel to adapt to whatever you throw out there,” James said. “And they stay productive no matter who’s on the floor.”
Even with Gilgeous-Alexander’s uneven scoring, the Thunder have continued to win comfortably. Holmgren’s inside presence has been dominant, and Mitchell once again put up a strong stat line with 24 points and 10 assists.
James wasn’t surprised by the Thunder’s sustained pressure, given their roster makeup.
“You’ve seen them develop over the years,” he said. “They have a lot of players who can do multiple things, and that depth really helps.”
The Lakers are still without Luka Doncic, sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain from April, which has hampered their offensive rhythm, especially late in games.
Facing elimination now, James insisted the team’s focus remains squarely on Game 4 rather than any bigger questions about the group’s future.
"No", James said when asked if they considered this might be their last run together. “We’re just concentrating on the moment and moving forward from there.”
Game 4 is set for Monday night in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will fight to avoid a sweep and keep the series alive before heading back to Oklahoma City.
MAX HOLLOWAY BREAKS SILENCE ON PARAMOUNT REGARDING CONOR MCGREGOR UFC 329 RUMORS
Relive the 13-year history between Holloway and McGregor as the Hawaiian star targets International Fight Week for ultimate revenge.
Max Holloway is hungry for payback against Conor McGregor as rumours swirl about a rematch.
McGregor hasn’t stepped inside the octagon since that quick loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. His last win was way back in 2020 when he steamrolled Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in under a minute. He was supposed to fight Michael Chandler in 2024, but that fell through after he got injured.
Now, at 37, McGregor’s back in training and eyeing a return for UFC 329 on July 11, right as International Fight Week rolls around. Before that, he missed out on a shot at the White House card, so this July date is shaping up to be his next window.
Dana White has flip-flopped a bit on McGregor’s comeback, but now he sounds confident: “It’s looking good. Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it.” And right now, Holloway looks like the top pick for the fight, 13 years after they first went at it.
Back then, McGregor beat Holloway by decision. Since then, Holloway’s had his own ups and downs; he lost the BMF belt to Charles Oliveira in March and hasn’t fought since. Still, he’s eager to get back, especially if it means a shot at Conor.
Talking to Paramount, Holloway laid it out: “We have history. We fought a long time ago. If someone’s got a win over me, I want that back. If he really is serious about returning, and it looks like he is, then this is an exciting fight. He looks hungry. He even did a boxing exhibition not too long ago, so it looks like he’s really coming back. I just want another shot. Any fight with Conor is huge, but with our past? It means even more. If I can knock a few names off my list, that’s great.”
For now, Holloway hasn’t heard anything official from the UFC about July. "Maybe we'll see what happens,” he said. “I’m seeing all the same talk you are. I haven’t heard anything yet, but July would work for me. They say you’re only as good as your last fight, and I want people to forget about that one as soon as possible.”
