When it comes to NBA superstars, there’s only one guy who can Eurostep his way into every front office’s dream scenario like he’s gliding down the lane untouched — and that’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. And if there’s one executive crazy enough to try to land him while eating dead cap space and dodging tampering fines like Neo in The Matrix, it’s Rob Pelinka.
But this time, Pelinka may not be scheming solo. He’s got a blueprint in his inbox, courtesy of Lakers insider Anthony Irwin — and it involves a Miami Heat star, some elite cap gymnastics, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.
“To me, I think the best approach to landing those players is to actually employ as many good basketball players as the Lakers can on good contracts that a team would then trade for,” Irwin explained in the Lakers Lounge podcast. “Because whenever all of these guys get traded, the owner always releases the statement, ‘We aren’t tanking, we’re trying to win right away, we’ll show you, you son of a bee’—it’s always really cute.”
That might be the funniest (and most accurate) explanation of post-trade press conferences we’ve ever heard. Somewhere in Washington, a Wizards intern is taking notes for next season.
Irwin then floated the idea of trading for Andrew Wiggins just for his contract, suggesting that a $30 million expiring deal could be the golden ticket to match salary if Giannis Antetokounmpo ever makes the “Get Me Outta Here” call to Milwaukee. “I wouldn’t mind trading for Wiggins… that you could use to match salaries if Giannis did ask to go to the Lakers,” Irwin continued.
Apr 10, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) warms up before game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
At this point, co-host Pete Zayas chimed in with the technicality: “Well, you don’t actually have to match salary with Giannis.” Irwin, keeping it real, replied: “No, I know—like whatever I would need to use, I don’t think the Lakers can open up, especially if Ayton plays well; I don’t know if they’ll have $70 million in cap space—I don’t know.”
Translation? The Lakers are walking a cap-tightrope while juggling Luka Doncic and praying that LeBron doesn’t sign with the Warriors just to spite everyone.
Giannis Antetokounmpo says he “loves” Milwaukee… for now
Here’s the real kicker: Giannis Antetokounmpo might’ve already slammed the brakes on this fantasy with a simple, “Nah, I’m good.” While live with IShowSpeed (yes, really), Giannis was asked about leaving Milwaukee. His answer? “I’ll probably stay. I love Milwaukee.”
“Probably” being the NBA equivalent of “Let’s see how this plays out,” and “love” being… well, love. But we’ve all seen NBA love fade faster than Ben Simmons in a playoff game. Giannis has a $62.8 million player option for 2027–28, meaning the Lakers’ master plan hinges on the hope he declines it. That’s why both L.A. franchises — the Lakers and Clippers — have treated this offseason like a coupon collector’s convention: not spending a cent unless it’s absolutely necessary.
As Sam Amick of The Athletic reported: “Neither team wanted to make any moves that cut into its financial flexibility for the future… because both franchises are swinging big for the long haul.” And by “big,” we mean Giannis Antetokounmpo-or-bust big. Forget a fourth option; the Lakers are skipping Plan B entirely. They’re keeping the books clean, saying goodbye to Dorian Finney-Smith, and whispering sweet nothings to future cap space like it’s 2010 and LeBron’s in South Beach.
Now, don’t get it twisted. The Lakers aren’t just praying on a ‘Greek Freak’ miracle. They already pulled off the ultimate heist in landing Luka Doncic earlier this year. LeBron’s twilight is giving way to a new core. But even Luka alone won’t get it done. The goal? Pair him with Giannis and create the most dominant duo since Kobe and Shaq bullied the league into submission. “If a team trading for him knew they were going to have him basically for the rest of his prime, their offer would increase,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said.
That’s where things get tricky. The Lakers can’t outbid Houston or San Antonio when it comes to assets. But they do have the Hollywood factor. If Giannis Antetokounmpo even hints at wanting L.A., it’s game over for everyone else. That’s why insiders are watching Giannis like he’s a Game 7 free throw — you never know what’s going to happen, but it’s probably going to be dramatic. Especially with the Bucks stuck in postseason limbo, armed with aging vets and no Finals trip since 2021. And if the Bucks keep stumbling while hemorrhaging flexibility, Giannis Antetokounmpo might start eyeing greener pastures. Or in this case, purple and gold ones.
Until then, Pelinka will keep hoarding cap space, drafting on a budget, and listening to every podcast from Irwin like it’s the Book of Revelations. Because let’s be honest — Giannis Antetokounmpo in Los Angeles next to Luka Doncic? That’s not just a fantasy. That’s the kind of move that could break the NBA… again.
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