Lakers' next superstar trade target is obvious after rival's devastating injury

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks sit in similar positions during this first round of the NBA Playoffs. They are both down 3-1 to their respective competition. Despite that, the situation in Milwaukee is far more bleak than that of Los Angeles.

Even if the Lakers end up in a premature playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, there is optimism that this team is trending in the right direction. The 2024-25 NBA season was initially thought to be a write-off after the Luka Doncic trade. The success that Los Angeles quickly found changed that thought, but the need to properly build around their new superstar remains.

The Bucks, on the other hand, are crumbling before everyone's eyes. All that still stands tall amongst the rubble is the undeniable superstar talents of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The latest stroke of bad luck for Milwaukee may have put the nail in the coffin for this era of their franchise. The result may involve moving on from one of the greatest player in franchise history.

Antetokounmpo to Los Angeles?

The news was officially broken yesterday, confirming that Damian Lillard had been diagnosed with a torn left Achilles tendon. It was a brutal end to a tough season for Lillard that involved dealing with multiple ailments.

Losing the second-best player on a roster that would struggle to compete without Antetokounmpo altogether is a heavy blow to be dealt. If, or when, the Indiana Pacers officially serve the death blow to the Bucks' season, this will be the number one situation to monitor in the NBA.

Antetokounmpo has stated a willingness to leave Milwaukee in the past. That will certainly be put to the test this offseason.

"Most importantly, I'm a winner," Giannis expressed on the 48 Minutes podcast. "I want to win, and I have to do whatever it takes for me to win. And if there's a better situation for me to win the Larry O'Brien, I have to take that better situation."

Teaming up with another European superstar in Los Angeles is a pretty great formula to winning, isn't it? The two top five talents in the world would easily throw themselves into the championship mix as the best duo in the league. Imagining a scenario where LeBron James takes a pay cut after opting out of his player option this offseason would only add more reason to believe in the team.

The natural obstacle here would be questioning why the Bucks would accept a package from the Lakers over a team with more abundant draft capital. The answer to that is actually surprisingly obvious. Milwaukee does not control its own future.

The Bucks do not have a proper hold over their own first-round pick until 2031. Pick swaps and other scenarios have left Milwaukee in a position where bottoming out does not actually do them much good.

This is where the Lakers can provide an opportunity to still compete and grow by providing player assets as the major selling point of any trade package and adding some semblance of draft capital to spice up the pot.

Is there still a team that can provide a better trade package for the Greek Freak? There probably is. The Lakers would need some help from Giannis by pushing for the specific destination of Hollywood.

Los Angeles has a history of attracting duos to join forces together. Doncic is already here. This would be an excellent second domino to see drop.