Luka Doncic calls Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Lakers
Luka Doncic has reportedly asked the Lakers to explore a possible trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
According to Lou Canellis of Fox Chicago, a key figure has been moving in the shadows of the league: Luka Doncic allegedly reached out to the Los Angeles Lakers to understand whether there’s a real path to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo.
A request that adds enormous weight to the trade rumors.
The Lakers have asked for information, and Doncic himself contacted the franchise to see whether a trade with the Bucks could realistically be built. And the core issue remains unchanged: Giannis wants out because he wants to win.
Lou Canellis
Canellis then added:
I can tell you with certainty: a few months ago Giannis wanted to be traded. His first choice was New York. The Knicks didn’t want to go beyond an offer centered around Karl-Anthony Towns, and for the Bucks that wasn’t enough to give up Antetokounmpo
Lou Canellis
Giannis wants to win
The message is clear: Antetokounmpo wants to compete at the highest level again. Since the 2021 title, Milwaukee hasn’t been a real contender, and today the team sits at a crisis-like record: 10–13 and tenth in the East.
According to Shams Charania – rumors denied by Doc Rivers – Giannis and his agent have begun direct conversations with the Bucks to clarify his future, a sign that the fracture isn’t just narrative. The two-time MVP earns $54.1 million and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027–28, a detail that may push Milwaukee to explore scenarios before risking a loss in value.
The role of Luka Doncic
Doncic’s involvement changes the balance entirely. The fact that he asked the Lakers to explore the move suggests two things:
- Luka sees Giannis as the perfect partner to consistently contend for a title
- He legitimizes the Lakers’ interest – a franchise historically unafraid of massive swings: Kareem, Dwight Howard, Anthony Davis, and Doncic himself are recent examples
At this point, it’s clear that a real attempt would require an enormous offer: Reaves, Hachimura, and virtually all future first-round picks. But it’s precisely the mix of Giannis’ desire for a change of scenery, the Bucks’ difficult moment, and Doncic’s direct involvement that makes the entire situation incredibly intriguing.