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.
LEBRON JAMES CONFIRMS COACHES’ MANDATE TO PLAY OFF-BALL DESPITE MOUNTING LAKERS LOSSES
The Lakers finish December as one of the NBA's worst teams. We analyse LeBron's adjusted role and the 128-106 Pistons loss.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick and LeBron James #23 watch the game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2025.
After the Lakers got crushed by the Detroit Pistons, 128-106, on his 41st birthday, LeBron James had a lot to say.
The most surprising thing he said was that the Lakers' coaches told him to play off the ball this season.
“I haven’t really been on the ball much,” James told reporters after the game. He finished with 17 points, four assists, four rebounds, and five turnovers, shooting 6-for-17.
“If the coaches want me to play on-ball, I can do that. But I’ve mostly been off the ball this year.”
Austin Reaves Being Hurt Matters
James said he could handle the ball more with Austin Reaves injured, but JJ Redick hasn’t asked him to.
"I can get back into it, but you have to get into the rhythm," he said. AR and Luka [Doncic] usually run the offence, and Marcus [Smart] is helping out now.
When asked if he cares either way, James said, Nah. Whatever helps us win. It doesn't matter.”
LeBron James: Lowest USG% Ever
The stats back up what James is saying.
In the first 15 games, his usage rate (USG%) is 26.1, the lowest in his 23-year career. It was even lower in November (22.1%) when he was getting used to being the third option after Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Last season, James's USG% was 29.1, 28.5 the year before, and 32.2 in 2022-23. In 2020, when the Lakers won the title, it was 30.8 in the regular season and 29.6 in the playoffs.
Also, his points plus assists are at a career low. When James is playing, he assists on 37.4% of the Lakers' baskets, down more than five points from last year.
Lakers Offence Struggles
Interestingly, James is talking about his role right after Redick said the offence has been disorganised since James came back in mid-November.
Since Bron's been back, our offence hasn't been as organised, Redick said this week. Too many random plays. That's on me.
Earlier in the season, the Lakers struggled on defence. Now, their offence is also struggling. In 12 December games, they're averaging just 112.4 points, down from 120.6 in November. Their assists have also dropped from 26.1 to 22.8.
The Lakers (5-7) were among the worst teams in the league in December, ranking 22nd in WIN%, 24th in points, last in assists, and 26th in defensive rating. They'll try to turn things around against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
UNDERDOG ALABAMA TARGETS A ROSE BOWL UPSET AGAINST UNDEFEATED INDIANA NOW
Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza leads No. 1 Indiana against Ty Simpson and Alabama in a historic Rose Bowl CFP quarterfinal clash.
Get ready for a clash of titans as Alabama and Indiana battle it out in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl this Thursday in Pasadena, California.
Even though Alabama has a rich history, it's coming into this game as the underdog, ready to prove its worth.
Indiana, once the program with the most losses in college football, is now the top seed and the only undefeated team, led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Talk about a turnaround.
"I want to shut down all quarterbacks, Heisman winner or not," said Alabama's defensive coordinator, Kane Wommack.
The winner of the Indiana-Alabama game will face either Texas Tech or Oregon in the Peach Bowl on January 9 in Atlanta.
Indiana isn't just trying to keep their amazing season going. They're trying to shake things up after last year's playoff, where all four first-round winners beat the top seeds.
Would I want to play earlier? Probably, to be honest, Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. But that's not how it is. We're excited to play.
Mendoza throws for an average of 229.2 yards per game, with 33 touchdowns and only six interceptions. Plus, he's run in six touchdowns himself.
But Alabama's defence has been tough on quarterbacks this season, ranking as one of the best in stopping passing plays, allowing only 168.4 yards per game.
Recently, Alabama is fresh off a 34-24 win against Oklahoma in the first round on December 19.
Alabama's quarterback, Ty Simpson, had some struggles but bounced back against Oklahoma. He averages 250 passing yards per game, with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions.
The biggest difference between the teams is their running game. Indiana is among the best in the nation, averaging 221.2 rushing yards per game. Alabama, on the other hand, has struggled, with only 109.9 rushing yards per game.
"I see how well (the Hoosiers') players work together," Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said. They just make plays. When they have a chance, they make it happen.
Indiana has only been to the Rose Bowl once, losing to USC back in 1967.
Alabama is making its ninth appearance, with a record of 5-2-1. Their last time here was two seasons ago, losing to Michigan in overtime in the CFP semifinal. The Crimson Tide also won the 2009 national title against Texas in this stadium.
Cignetti was Alabama's wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator during that championship run.
While Cignetti knows all about Alabama's past, DeBoer is familiar with what Cignetti has achieved with Indiana. DeBoer was the Hoosiers' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach back in 2019.
Mendoza should have one of his best receivers back this Thursday.
Omar Cooper Jr., who got hurt early in the Big Ten title game, is ready to go for the Rose Bowl. Cooper leads Indiana with 58 catches for 804 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Alabama is also getting a key player back, with LT Overton returning to the field. Overton missed the Southeastern Conference championship game and the first-round win against Oklahoma due to sickness.