LeBron James has made his feelings on Giannis Antetokounmpo clear as the two-time NBA MVP continues to be linked with a move away from the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bucks struggled due to injuries last season, finishing fifth in the eastern conference and were knocked out of post-season in the first round for the third year running. This has heightened speculation that Antetokounmpo will seek an off-season move away from the Bucks, with the LA Lakers a rumoured destination.
Antetokounmpo is yet to make a decision on his future, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting on Monday that the 30-year-old is still undecided on whether to stay or leave the Bucks.
“Sources tell me there is nothing set in stone about whether Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to stay in Milwaukee or whether he wants to leave elsewhere. He’s been evaluating his future this entire off season. He wants to win a second championship,” Charania said.
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However, the NBA’s record-point scorer James has already added fuel to the fire that Antetokounmpo will potentially depart the Bucks for the Lakers.
James has been linked with a trade away from LA, with the Dallas Mavericks a rumoured destination for the NBA icon.
The addition of a player of Antetokounmpo’s calibre may convince James to remain with the Lakers after a disappointing campaign with the former potentially viewed as the heir to the latter.
Giannis Antetokounmpo a 'great player'
James was asked in 2018 what standout players he’d like to play with, listing Antetokounmpo as one he’d hope to feature alongside.
“Ask me if I'd like to play with Jimmy Butler,” James said.
“Say it right now. Ask me about Kyrie Irving, Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. Ask me about [Joel] Embiid, Ben Simmons. Go ahead, all of them. Luka Doncic. Ask me right now.
“Come on, guys, this is not rocket science. These are great players. Absolutely.
"I would love to play with a lot of great players. That is just who I am.”
And earlier this year, James heaped further praise on the Bucks star, stating Antetokounmpo would be able to handle the NBA in the 1970s.
James praise for in-demand Bucks power forward
“You trying to tell me Giannis wouldn't be able to play an NBA game in the 70s? Giannis would have 250 points in a game in the 70’s,” James exaggerated on the ‘Pat McAfee Show’ in March.
The Bucks are the only side Antetokounmpo have played for during his NBA career, so any decision to leave will be made with a heavy heart.
Even so, the Bucks are in no position to challenge for another championship, which means Antetokounmpo has a tough choice to make this summer as he seeks a second title of his career.
Topics: Basketball, LA Lakers, Lebron James, NBA
Ben McAleer