Former NBA All-Star claims Giannis Antetokounmpo should team with Luka Doncic to win

Mar 13, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Many expected the Los Angeles Lakers to make a deep postseason run after they acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline. Things have not quite worked out for the team, however, as they trail the Minnesota Timberwolves 3-1 in their first-round series.

While they still have the opportunity to turn things around, the franchise has a glaring need for a big man this summer after trading Anthony Davis as part of the Doncic deal. They have mostly played small-ball throughout the first four games of the postseason as starting center Jaxson Hayes has averaged just 7.6 minutes per game while backup Alex Len has only played in garbage time.

Meanwhile, there has been plenty of speculation that Giannis Antetokounmpo could ask to be traded from the Milwaukee Bucks, who were eliminated in the first round for the third consecutive season. Furthermore, they will be without Damian Lillard to begin the 2025-26 season after he tore his ACL in Game 4.

Carlos Boozer recently claimed that Antetokounmpo should join Doncic on the Lakers, if he wants to win another title. Speaking on ESPN's Get Up earlier in the day on Tuesday, the two-time All-Star stated:

"If I'm Giannis and I don't want to go back to Milwaukee, wouldn't you want to maybe play with Luka? Maybe go to L.A.? If he wants to win."

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While other teams will likely be able to offer the Bucks more compensation, they could work with Antetokounmpo to get him to desired location. It is unclear what the Lakers would be willing to offer, however, one has to believe they would put every asset on the table to pair two-time NBA MVP with Doncic.

Additionally, LeBron James - who holds a player option this summer - would likely take a pay cut if it meant bringing in a player as talented as Antetokounmpo. 'The Greek Freak' is just 30 years old and coming off a season where he averaged averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 60.1% from the field.

Although it is unlikely that the two sides come to an agreement, Los Angeles will likely be one of many teams to inquire about Antetokounmpo's availability this summer. The 15th overall pick of the 2013 NBA Draft has spent his entire 12-year career in Milwaukee.

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