Why the Lakers didn’t play Giannis Antetokounmpo

Former two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be the biggest name to hit the NBA trade deadlinebut the Los Angeles Lakers they are not in that race. According to insider Jake Fisher, The Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks see the market very differently right now. Fisher made it clear that Giannis was traded it’s not on the purple-gold radar.
“Right now, I definitely haven’t gotten any indication that the Lakers consider themselves Giannis’ current player,” Fisher said. “I think the Lakers have a very realistic and pragmatic understanding of where they are in the general environment of the NBA trade market right now.”
The words fell hard for fans hoping for another swing from the superstar. The Lakers know their limits. Assets are important. Timing is important. And this moment does not belong to them. around the league, executives are watching the Bucks and Giannis closelybut Los Angeles stands outside.
Under the stadium lights, hope met reality. The crowd is buzzing with rumors, yet the front office keeps its feet on the ground. This is not a dream season. This has been measured.
Giannis’ dominance makes the distance even greater
Giannis Antetokounmpo plays like a man untouched by the noise. He is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game so far this season. At the same time, he shoots 64.5 percent from the field and almost 40 percent from three. Together, those numbers explain why the Bucks aren’t eager to move him.
meanwhile, Giannis just earned his 10th All-Star selection and led the Eastern Conference in fan voting. It’s just not a ready-to-ship player profile. Instead, Milwaukee still believes in its core, while the Lakers see the price and back away.
As a result, that gap shapes the market. Conversely, Milwaukee holds the crown jewel while Los Angeles builds with caution. Fans can dream, but front offices count contracts and picks.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, one truth remains firm. The Lakers are not in the Giannis sweepstakes. Not now. Not like this. Under the arena lights, the question remains. Will patience define the future or will one bold move rewrite everything?
2026-02-03 15:50:00







