Topics: NBA, Lebron James, Basketball
NBA superstar LeBron James has already made his feelings known on former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Los Angeles Lakers, as rumours linking the Milwaukee Bucks star with a trade continue to grow.
With the Bucks having won just two of their last 10 games, Antetokounmpo has been increasingly linked with a move away from the team he joined in 2013.
The 'Greek Freak' has repeatedly spoken about his desire to win a second ring, having previously won the championship in 2021.
But the Bucks have not made it past the first round of the playoffs in the last three seasons and they are now in danger of missing out on the post-season entirely.
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That has fuelled speculation Antetokounmpo could look to leave Milwaukee mid-season.
According to ForeverBet, the New York Knicks are the favourites to sign him.
Although the Knicks have not won a title since 1973, they currently sit second in the Eastern Conference, behind only the Detroit Pistons.
Antetokounmpo was reportedly interested in joining the Knicks during the summer, with the 31-year-old keen to play at Madison Square Garden before he retires.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line wrote: "There's a strong belief league-wide that Antetokounmpo desires one destination above all the rest in the event that he actually does fully ask out someday.
"New York."
The San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat are considered the next likeliest destinations for the two-time MVP.
However, the Los Angeles Lakers could emerge as an outside contender.
Caleb Hightower of The Sporting News reported that the Lakers have checked in on his availability.
And Luka Doncic, who only joined the Lakers in February, has personally inquired about whether the franchise could agree a deal with the Bucks.
If Antetokounmpo were to join the Lakers, they would immediately establish themselves as one of the favourites for this year's title.
A European duo of Doncic and Antetokounmpo, combined with one of the all-time greats in James, would be an exciting prospect.
Although James has not addressed the latest trade rumours, he has previously been outspoken in his praise of the Bucks star.
In March, James was asked how he believed Antetokounmpo would cope if he were playing in the NBA during the 1970s.
He said: "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. 250."
Although James was clearly exaggerating, it is clear he rates Antetokounmpo highly and would seemingly relish the opportunity to play alongside him.
However, it currently appears unlikely that the Lakers will be able to put together a package that the Bucks will accept.
