Giannis to the Lakers Doesn't Make Much Sense
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I saw a headline on Bleacher Report this morning that said, "Giannis X Lakers trade ideas". Let’s discuss.
This took me back a little bit. I understand that Giannis' time in Milwaukee is pretty much over. He may return for all we know, but it feels like the writing has been on the wall for some time now. Giannis wants to go somewhere that he can compete right away for a title. He is older now, more injured and I'm sure he sees that his time left as a dominant force in the NBA is close to done. He was so awesome in his prime. He brought a title back to Milwaukee. He was the best player in the league, at least in my opinion, for a three or four year stretch during and post pandemic. but it feels like he is ready for the next chapter of his NBA career and he wants a change of scenery.
There's a few teams that make sense, if they can pull it off. The Warriors make the most sense to me. Sure, they're in the West, but put Giannis and Steph together, and I'd put them in the playoffs for sure. The Nets have all kinds of picks and young players they can move. And Giannis would instantly make the Nets a strong East team. The Raptors have always had eyes for Giannis, and if they could pull off a trade that doesn't involve Scottie Barnes, they could get a seat at the table. The Knicks may not go after him now that they're two wins away from the Finals. But if they were to rock the boat, that is where Giannis wants to play. The Cavs and Hawks seem less likely to trade for him now, but each has their own merits to go after him. The Hawks need a vet to keep that young team focused. And the Cavs need a force that is not afraid of any moment. And the Heat have always and will always be in the conversation for a star player. They have the means to get it done, and I wouldn't be shocked if that is where he ends up.
This whole Lakers addition is baffling to me. They would have to mortgage their future to bring him in. they would have to trade every pick they own. They would most likely have to add future picks. As far as players, I'd ask for the moon from the Lakers. I'd want Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, Bronny James and Deandre Ayton. Hell, I'd probably ask for more. If the Lakers want to be taken seriously, if they want a seat at the table, this would be my ask if I'm the Bucks. This isn't the Mavs giving up Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. The Bucks front office is smarter and they have been playing this game with Giannis for over a year now. They don't have to trade him for scraps. They should get the farm, at the very least in picks, from whichever team or teams they're dealing with. With the Lakers, I'd want it all.
The 29 other teams in the NBA need to stop giving the Lakers whatever they want. Teams don't have to do that anymore. They are not the glamour franchise they used to be. Sure, they have new ownership coming in from the Dodgers, but the NBA has a salary cap. NBA teams can't just buy any player they want like they do in the MLB. The Dodgers get everyone and anyone because they can pay more. That's not the case in the NBA. There's so many more rules with the cap and I think the Dodgers people are going to find that out sooner rather than later, and that is going to drive them up the wall.
Also, if the Lakers were somehow able to get Giannis, what does that mean for LeBron? Is he already gone? Has he moved on? Or is he willing to take another backseat and be the third option again with the Lakers? I get it, he will be 42 next season, but he is still productive, and I think he still wants to win. And if Bronny is traded, would he follow him? Does he still want to wait and play with Bryce?
There's so much more than just the sensationalism of Luka and Giannis teaming up in LA. This would ravage the Lakers depth and youth. Luka and Giannis always seem to get hurt. JJ Redick is an overrated coach. He would have to do actual work to try and find guys on the cheap that could help this team. And vets who may want to play there would have to deal with taking on way less of a load based on what they excel at on a basketball court.
I hate this idea. I feel like any major media outlet is simply obsessed with getting star players, current and former, to LA. They want these big time players in big cities. They're so mad that San Antonio and Oklahoma City are going to be running the league for the next five to six years. That drives them up a wall. I would be stunned if Giannis ends up in LA. I would also despise it. I don't think it will happen, but I certainly hope it won't happen. This would not be good for the NBA.
Ty
Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet.