Just say no. Lakers should learn their lesson, avoid Giannis Antetokounmpo

"Even after jogging in place all this time, they've finally caught up with the can they kicked down the road: All indications are that the Milwaukee Bucks' superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is about to hit the trade market. And the Lakers - loaded with trade ammunition and cap space and forever wishing on star players - are going to be expected to make a play. But they should run a different play."

"For months, they've been signaling as if with a searchlight how much they covet the 6-foot-11 Greek forward. So, of course, they're going to take a run at the two-time NBA MVP, 10-time All-Star, 2021 NBA champion who will earn about $58 million next season, when the 31-year-old will expect a massive, multi-year extension. They should run the other direction."

"The Lakers have stockpiled cap space and picks - as of draft night, they'll have 2026, 2031 and 2033 first-rounders to offer - like they're doomsayers outfitting a bunker. If they fill all that available cap space with Antetokounmpo's salary, they won't be using it on LeBron James or Rui Hachimura. The Lakers likely also will have to empty their cupboard of those first-round picks."

"And, yes, it would be a disaster to dedicate all of that to an aging Antetokounmpo instead of doing the work to build a suitable army of role players to take on OKC's corps - and to orbit Doncic, the guy who the Lakers already brought in to save the days ahead. But, wait, you say, this is the Lakers. This is stars shine here. Sure, but what does L.A. love most? Winners."

The Lakers ended their season with a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and now face an offseason shaped by financial constraints and trade expectations. Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to enter the trade market, and the Lakers have signaled interest in him for months. The proposed pursuit would require committing major cap space and multiple future first-round picks, potentially preventing the team from retaining flexibility for other needs. The cost would also reduce the ability to build a deep supporting cast capable of matching Oklahoma City’s strengths. The piece argues that dedicating resources to an aging star would be a mistake, especially with Luka Doncic already on the roster.

Read at Los Angeles Times