Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is aware that the team is exploring a potential trade for Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Just hours after the Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs, fans began looking ahead to the future, particularly concerning LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
James is set to become a free agent this summer, while Reaves is expected to decline his player option and test the open market. Reaves just wrapped up an impressive season, posting a career-high 23.3 points per game, though he appeared in only 51 games due to injuries.
He is considered an ideal backcourt partner for Doncic. According to Sam Amick and Dan Woike of The Athletic, Doncic has “made it clear” that he wants the Lakers to keep Reaves.
“Beyond their strong friendship, Doncic believes Reaves is his long-term teammate. Multiple league sources reveal that Doncic has told team insiders he does not want Reaves included in any trade package for Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, which best illustrates this belief,” Amick and Woike reported.
“Sources say Doncic strongly desires a roster featuring both him and Reaves, along with any star the Lakers can acquire.”
The report adds that the Lakers will do their due diligence in “exploring the possibility of trading for Antetokounmpo” with the Bucks.
The two-time MVP has previously stated he does not see himself playing in Los Angeles, calling the city “superficial.”
After wavering around the trade deadline, the Bucks are now ready to reconnect with Antetokounmpo, as they believe they can still turn their season around. Milwaukee finished with a 32-50 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade.