Luka Dončić has quickly become the new face of the Los Angeles Lakers, and his influence across the franchise may now extend well beyond the court.

After orchestrating summer additions such as Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, Dončić is reportedly eyeing a far bigger prize — two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

According to Fox32 Chicago’s Lou Canellis, Dončić has been pushing behind the scenes for the Lakers to explore a trade for Antetokounmpo, whose future in Milwaukee has again become a subject of league-wide intrigue as the Bucks stumble out of the Eastern Conference play-in picture.

“I can tell you this for a fact,” Canellis said this week on 670 The Score. “A few months ago, Giannis wanted to be traded… His first choice was the Knicks… The Lakers inquired and Luka Dončić himself inquired.”

Canellis suggested the Bucks rejected the Knicks’ refusal to include more than Karl-Anthony Towns in negotiations and confirmed the Lakers — at Dončić’s urging — attempted to engage Milwaukee on a deal.

“Giannis wants to leave because he wants to win,” Canellis said.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors Reignite as Milwaukee Engages in Future Talks

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, have formally opened discussions with the Bucks regarding his future — a development that arrives as Milwaukee sits at 9–13, far below expectations.

“Conversations have started,” Charania wrote on X. “A resolution is expected in the coming weeks.”

Hours after the report, Antetokounmpo suffered a calf strain expected to sideline him 2–4 weeks, adding yet another layer of uncertainty to a team struggling for direction.

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers attempted to curb the narrative.

“Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever,” Rivers said. “This is out because we’re not playing well.”

However, the speculation has not cooled. Multiple contenders are positioned to monitor the situation closely, while the Bucks have lost two straight without Antetokounmpo and fallen to 11th in the East.

Could the Lakers Realistically Trade for Giannis? NBA Analysts Skeptical

While Dončić’s interest is notable, the Lakers face significant roadblocks should Antetokounmpo formally request a trade.

Lakers reporter Jovan Buha said L.A. would be obligated to explore the possibility but noted they would enter negotiations at a clear disadvantage compared to other suitors.

“You have to explore it,” Buha said on Lakers Lounge. “But the ideal construction is Austin [Reaves] on a max contract plus the three picks.”

Reaves’ contract — just $13.9 million — falls far short of Antetokounmpo’s $54.1 million salary, creating complicated salary-matching math.

Under current league rules, the Lakers can trade only one first-round pick in-season and a maximum of three in the offseason.

Buha added that Milwaukee’s return would likely require a blue-chip young star, not Reaves, who is positioned to contribute on a championship-caliber team.

“If you’re Milwaukee, Reaves is a win-now piece — I’d want a 22-year-old blue-chip prospect plus multiple picks, and the Lakers can’t currently offer that.”

‘Found Money’ Scenario: What Would Have to Happen for LA to Land Giannis?

Dan Woike of The Athletic described a potential Lakers acquisition of Antetokounmpo as “found money,” similar to how Dončić’s arrival came together unexpectedly.

“I don’t think the Lakers are particularly close,” Woike said on Lakers Lounge. “[Giannis] would have to really firebomb his reputation… It would have to get very ugly for Milwaukee to take pennies on the dollar.”

Woike projected the Lakers’ most realistic package next summer would be three future picks and cap space, which he bluntly assessed:

“That’s the offer. And that’s not good enough.”

Luka Dončić Wants Giannis — But Much Has to Break the Lakers’ Way

As Dončić and LeBron James return to the lineup Sunday vs. Philadelphia, the Lakers sit tied for second in the West and are positioned as contenders — but not as favorites in a potential Antetokounmpo sweepstakes.

The interest is real. The fit is clear. But the path remains unclear.

If the Lakers are to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, it would likely require — as Woike put it — “found money.”

Until then, Dončić’s push speaks volumes about the Lakers’ new identity — one shaped by a superstar already looking beyond what they’ve built to what might still be possible.