LeBron James made stance clear on Giannis amid Lakers trade rumors

December 11, 2025 Oliver Obel

The Bucks’ recent skid just two wins over their past 10 games has added urgency to questions about Antetokounmpo’s future. The two-time MVP has repeatedly emphasized his desire to compete for championships, but Milwaukee has exited in the first round of the playoffs for three consecutive years.

With the team now flirting with the possibility of missing the postseason altogether, league executives have begun to reassess how secure his long-term commitment might be.

Reports from several U.S. outlets indicate that the downturn has prompted renewed internal and external conversations about whether the franchise might eventually face pressure to consider offers for its superstar.

New York’s long-standing interest

According to odds listed by betting site ForeverBet, the New York Knicks currently lead the market for a potential Antetokounmpo acquisition. The franchise, which sits near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, has not won a championship since 1973 but has steadily rebuilt into a plausible destination for elite players.

Interest between the two sides is not new. Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported earlier this year that league circles widely believe New York would be Antetokounmpo’s preferred landing spot “in the event that he actually does fully ask out someday.”

Fischer noted that the 31-year-old even explored the possibility of playing at Madison Square Garden during the summer, drawn to the idea of ending his career on one of basketball’s most iconic stages.

Behind New York, the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat are seen as realistic alternatives, with both teams monitoring Milwaukee’s trajectory closely.

Los Angeles explores possibilities

While considered an outside candidate, the Los Angeles Lakers have also taken preliminary steps. The Sporting News reported that the organization has inquired about Antetokounmpo’s availability. The outlet added that Luka Dončić who joined the Lakers in February asked internally whether a deal could be feasible, a sign of the appeal of forming a high-powered European tandem in Los Angeles.

Any move of that magnitude would dramatically reshape the championship landscape, creating a trio of Dončić, Antetokounmpo, and James a combination that would immediately shift betting odds across the league.

James’ admiration is well documented

Though James has not addressed the latest wave of speculation, he has spoken glowingly about Antetokounmpo in the past. During a media session in March, he was asked how the Bucks forward might fare in a 1970s-era NBA.

“You trying to tell me Giannis wouldn't be able to play an NBA game in the 70s?” James said at the time. “Giannis would have 250 points in a game in the 70’s. 250.”

The hyperbolic remark underscored how highly James rates the former MVP. Still, despite the intrigue surrounding a potential partnership, cap limitations and Milwaukee’s expected asking price make such a trade a remote possibility at this stage.

For now, the league continues to watch the Bucks closely not just for their playoff push, but for signs of how long their franchise cornerstone intends to stay.

Sources: Reuters, AP, BBC, The Stein Line, The Sporting News