Giannis Antetokounmpo Has Lakers In Sights

Merlin sees the Lakers on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s radar. Howard Beck called L.A. "a team to keep an eye [on] from Giannis' standpoint just as another team of interest," and Shams Charania says the Bucks are "starting to listen" to "aggressive offers" with Miami, Minnesota, Golden State and New York among top suitors. Giannis is averaging 28.0, 10.0 and 5.6 but has played 30 games and is sidelined with a calf strain. The Lakers look likelier to pursue a move in the offseason when they have more first-round picks and clarity on LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Merlin senses that pairing Giannis with Luka would instantly tilt the Western Conference, yet the salary math and the probable need to include LeBron make a quick deadline swap unlikely. Health, draft capital and timing point to a high-stakes offseason chess match rather than an immediate blockbuster.