NBA trade rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to sign $186 million Milwaukee Bucks superstar to form Big 3 with LeBron James and Luka Doncic

Trade talk is building around the Los Angeles Lakers as the 2025-26 season moves through February. Reports suggest the team may try to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo in the offseason and place him alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić.If it happens, the move would show the Lakers are still focused on winning immediately. It would also raise practical questions about cost, roster balance, and whether Milwaukee would consider moving its franchise player.

Contract Situation and Trade Structure

Giannis Antetokounmpo is under contract with the Milwaukee Bucks through the 2026-27 season and has a player option for 2027-28. He is earning $54.1 million this season and is scheduled to make $58.5 million next year.

A deadline trade is unlikely, but Milwaukee could review its options in the summer depending on results and the player’s stance.The Lakers currently have LeBron, Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero, and future first-round picks. One proposed structure meets salary rules and reflects the type of return Milwaukee would likely demand.

Plausible Trade Framework (2026 Offseason)

(Hypothetical - not an official deal.)

Los Angeles Lakers receive:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (F, 31, $58.5M in 2026-27) • Thanasis Antetokounmpo (F, minimum contract)

Milwaukee Bucks receive:

• Austin Reaves (SG, projected $15-18M in 2026-27) • Rui Hachimura (PF, projected $13-15M) • Dalton Knecht (SF, rookie-scale) • Adou Thiero (SF, rookie-scale) • 2026 first-round pick or swap • 2030 first-round pick swap • 2032 first-round pick swapThe package would give Milwaukee younger players and draft flexibility while allowing the Lakers to match Giannis’s salary.

What the Los Angeles Lakers Would Look Like With Three Stars

Adding Giannis Antetokounmpo would give Los Angeles three players who can control the offense and score in different ways.

The group would provide scoring, playmaking, and interior defense. Dončić, at 26, would remain the long-term piece, while Giannis (31) and LeBron (41) suggest a shorter title window. From a business view, a roster led by two international stars and one of the league’s most recognizable players would carry strong global appeal.

What Milwaukee Could Gain

If the Bucks decide to move Antetokounmpo, the priority would likely be future assets. Reaves has playoff experience and a manageable contract. Hachimura adds size and flexibility. Knecht and Thiero would be developmental players. Multiple picks would give the team options to rebuild or pursue another star.Milwaukee would still have rotation players such as Myles Turner, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Cole Anthony, and Gary Harris, so the roster would not be empty during a transition.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s View and Possible Fit

Giannis Antetokounmpo has said he is not leaving Milwaukee, but league discussion continues about where he might consider playing if the situation changes. The Knicks and Heat are often mentioned as possible destinations.Los Angeles Lakers would offer a ready-made contender and strong market visibility. The adjustment would come from sharing possessions with two other primary creators and handling the defensive workload that comes with a fast system.

Risks and Advantages

- Lakers - Advantages: stronger title chances, defensive improvement, and commercial impact.- Lakers - Risks: reduced depth, fewer future picks, possible fit issues, and age-related durability concerns.- Bucks - Advantages: draft capital, younger contributors, and avoiding a later free-agency situation.- Bucks - Risks: losing the face of the franchise, uncertainty around player development, and possible fan reaction.

My two cents on this mock trade

In the short term, the Los Angeles Lakers would likely improve their championship chances. Milwaukee’s long-term result would depend on how well it uses the picks and young players.For Giannis Antetokounmpo, the decision would shape the later years of his prime, whether that means continuing as Milwaukee’s centerpiece or joining a roster built to compete immediately.Also read: NBA trade rumors: Golden State Warriors predicted to land $240 million Utah Jazz star center to support Stephen Curry and Jimmy ButlerA trade sending Giannis to the Los Angeles Lakers is still speculative but possible under league rules. There is a lot of risk involved but so is the potential reward and that is a roster built around three of the league’s most productive players. The direction each team chooses later this year will determine whether the idea stays theoretical or turns into the biggest move of the 2026 offseason.