Giannis Antetokounmpo's future in the NBA looks more certain than ever after rumours linking with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Milwaukee Bucks and their star player Antetokounmpo endured another disappointing year as they failed to meet expectations yet again. After a fifth-placed finish in the eastern conference, they were knocked out in the first round of the post-season for a third successive season.
It led to widespread speculation around the future of Antetokounmpo, who is desperate to win a second title. The Greek star entered the NBA draft in 2013 and has only played for the Bucks in that time.
His highlight came in 2021, when he was awarded the NBA Finals MVP as the Bucks won the Championship. But after three difficult years for the Bucks, Antetokounmpo was linked with a move to join legendary basketball star LeBron James at the LA Lakers.
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It now appears likely that he will remain in Milwaukee after the Bucks re-signed his older brother Thanasis.
Thanasis missed the whole of the 2024-25 NBA season as he recovered from surgery on a torn achilles tendon in May 2024.
But he had played for the Bucks since 2019 alongside his brother, even if he is not at the same level as his younger brother.
Thanasis' contract renewal is the clearest indication yet that his younger brother Giannis Antetokounmpo will commit to the Bucks for the foreseeable future.
Could Giannis Antetokounmpo join the LA Lakers?
As recently as last month it was reported by ESPN's Shams Charania that Antetokounmpo was undecided on his future.
Charania said that there was nothing set in stone about whether he would stay in Milwaukee or move away and Antetokounmpo was using the off-season to consider his decision.
It was acknowledged that a clear motivation for the Greek star would be which team would provide his best opportunity to win a second championship.
And one of those options was seen to be the Lakers, who last won the championship in 2019-2020.
Could LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo play together?
LeBron James' future at the Lakers has been one of the main narratives during this off-season.
But it appears he will continue in Los Angeles, before his contract expires next summer.
James has previously expressed his excitement at the prospect of playing alongside Antetokounmpo, who he has described as a 'great player'.
But it appears that James will remain put in Los Angeles, while Antetokounmpo will play alongside his brother in Milwaukee.
Topics: Basketball, LA Lakers, Lebron James, NBA
James Taylor