Welcome to XX-Sports

XX-Sports

Antetokounmpo has the opportunity to join the Lakers! The 6-for-1 trading plan is released, and the Lakers may form the Big Three to win the championship again

1:58am, 14 May 2025Basketball

The playoffs this season are in the divisional semi-finals, and there are no legendary stars. Durant led the Suns to the Suns, and Durant could only play in the playoffs when he was idle, and he was caught in a vicious circle of self-provement and could not extricate himself. The Lakers led by James and Doncic can be said to be the most uncompetitive team in the top eight in the Western Conference, except for the Grizzlies. They were eliminated by the Timberwolves 1-4 in the first round. When the Warriors defeated the Timberwolves away, in the words of Lakers' team reporters, it seems that the Lakers are the most vulnerable. The Clippers were also eliminated in regret. The team's management faced a choice. Next season, Harden and Kat were one year older. The team can trade Harden (sign first and then exchange) to seek high-quality young assets to complete the transition from new to old. Including the Bucks in the East, Antetokounmpo's departure is basically a foregone conclusion.

Due to Lillard's Achilles tendon laceration injury, the Bucks not only have no competitiveness next season, but also have no rebuilding chips available in the next six years. They only have the option to trade Antetokounmpo in the offseason. The forced melon is not sweet, Antetokounmpo wants the championship. At the same time, columnist Howard Baker revealed that if Antetokounmpo asks to leave the Bucks, the sources he has shown that big cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami will attract Antetokounmpo. The Bucks and Antetokounmpo team need to reach a consensus. It is not contradictory to where Antetokounmpo want to go and where to provide the Bucks with the best bargaining chips for easy reconstruction. In response to this, the US media FW column reporter Bitar listed a set of 6-for-1 trading plans, and the Lakers have a chance to get Antetokounmpo. The trading plan is as follows: the Bucks get Reeves + Hachimura Hiroshi + Vanderbilt + Kneckett + 26-year first-round pick swap rights + 31-year first-round pick; the Lakers get Antetokounmpo. First of all, this deal is a rare opportunity for the Lakers. When Doncic was traded to the Lakers, Antetokounmpo was envious and said that the top stars should play in big cities. Although James made it clear that he would not retire next season, Doncic also expressed his desire to stay in Los Angeles for a long time. The Lakers' poor performance in the playoffs is actually to put it bluntly because Reeves + James + Doncic did not have defense, and the team's lack of center is easy to solve. The key is to find a super partner with all-round offense and defense for Doncic to prepare for James' retirement. Of course, Reeves is the biggest bargaining chip.

Compared with the data of 20.2 points per game in the regular season, Reeves' overall performance in the playoffs was not good, and his efficiency of holding the ball and attacking decreased. After the referee tightened the verdict, he lacked effective means of ending. However, according to the analysis of salary experts, Reeves' market trading conditions are still equal to two first round picks, or one first round + two instant combat power levels. After all, Reeves has made a fortune in the Lakers, and his salary is extremely flexible (29 million in the remaining two years). Secondly, Hachimura and Vanderbilt are both at an annual salary of tens of millions. Hachimura's contract year next season can help the Bucks clear space, or after Lillard returns next season, the team will also maintain good ready-to-fighting power. Including Knector, who has a young and growth cap, and the Lakers' most precious 31-year first-round pick.

In the words of US media, the Lakers' rich chips can give the Bucks two choices. First, ensure the depth of the team's lineup. Focusing on Reeves, Hachimura and Vanderbilt can improve their forward competitiveness. Secondly, even if you want to completely defeat and start over, Reeves is also a good deal. If you really want to seek a quotation for 3-4 first-round picks, there are only two types. One is teams like the Rockets and Thunder. Their first-round picks may not be that valuable. The Bucks' own first-round picks are difficult for these teams to participate in the trading in the hands of the Pelicans, the Trail Blazers, the Hawks and the Wizards. Even if it can, it means that the Bucks will be completely defeated in the next few years, which is not in line with the team's long-term plan. Therefore, the Lakers' plan is relatively reasonable and can keep the Bucks flexible.

For the Lakers, the first thing to do is to ensure Antetokounmpo's interest in joining forces with James and Doncic. According to Baker, Antetokounmpo is interested in a team in Los Angeles. Maybe it is the Clippers? Harden is sluggish in the playoffs, and it is difficult for Xiaoka to stay healthy, not to mention that the Clippers and Lakers can't compare with Los Angeles' influence alone. Secondly, it is not included in the 41-year-old James next season. Doncic and Antetokounmpo maintain the output standard of 60 points in the regular season. Both of them can play pick-and-roll in the playoffs. They are both top five super giants in the league in health, which is terrible to think about. In Los Angeles media, Pelinka proves his desire for superstars in this deal with Doncic. Looking at the entire league, only Antetokounmpo is most in line with Doncic's long-term plan.

Once the Lakers form the super three giants of Doncic + Antetokounmpo + James, the team is left with Finney Smith, Vincent and others. When James doesn't have to try his best in the regular season, the Lakers' playoffs will become even more terrifying. Antetokounmpo's balanced offense and defense is exactly what the Lakers need the most. Of course, it is not ruled out that the Rockets and Thunder used multiple first-round picks to hit the Bucks management this summer until they nodded! But for the super giant of Antetokounmpo, the place he subjectively wants to go is obviously more important, especially when he promises not to sign long-term contracts with other teams. Of course, the Bucks have no obligation to satisfy Antetokounmpo, but if they really do that, will there be any team willing to go to the Bucks in the future?

Links: