The Lakers best offer for Antetokounmpo, while retaining James and Doncic to form the Big Three again

According to Eddie Bitar, senior contributor of US sports media F/W. The Lakers may shine again and develop a big trading plan to pair Antetokounmpo with James and Doncic to form a historical Big Three to win the championship again. After being eliminated in five games in the first round against Wolves, there is a huge pressure because their roster may not be the material for the championship. Luca is entering his peak period, and the window to build an untouchable super team is right there.

At the same time, Antetokounmpo's future is full of uncertainty in the Bucks. League sources confirmed that Antetokounmpo has begun serious negotiations with management on the development direction of the team. At 30, he watched the Bucks' championship window close, while other teams in the East were leading the way. According to insiders, if Antetokounmpo forcefully leaves, the Lakers will be at the top of his wish list. For the Lakers, the mission is clear: build the next unstoppable Big Three in the NBA without breaking up their current core. The media simulated a viable transaction plan.

The specific plan is:

The Lakers get: Antetokounmour

The Bucks get: Reeves, Hachimura, Van Debiao, Kneckett, 2031 first-round draft pick, 2026 first-round swap draft pick

The Lakers create the greatest Big Three in history

If this deal is successful, the Lakers will have the greatest Big Three in history in the NBA. Even at 40, James still contributed only 24.4 points and 8.2 assists per game. Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game, which is the team's offense for the next decade. In addition, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, and the three will dominate the league on both offense and defense. There is no defense in the league that can handle Luca's step back, LeBron's breakthrough and Antetokounmpo's impact. It will immediately become a 2026 championship hit and create a level of star power that has never been seen since the Heat or Warriors super team days, besides being more terrifying on paper. That's how you maximize your last few seasons at LeBron while ensuring the team's future behind LeBron.

The Bucks rebuild around young stars. For the Bucks, Reeves brought a new star to the Bucks and could open a new chapter. Reeves, 26, averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 assists per game with the Lakers, can thrive as a main creator. His gritty, fearless style complements the Bucks’ blue-collar status and he is signing a contract with the team, which provides the Bucks with flexibility to move forward.

Hachimura Shira and Van Debiao added a key part to the reconstruction. Hachimura Hachimura has become the key this season, shooting 41.3% from three-pointers and can eventually become a 20-point scorer, playing a bigger role in the Bucks.

Van Debiao is one of the best defensive role players in the league when he is healthy, providing the Bucks with an all-around pick-and-roll hand who can defend the wings and big men, the kind of player who becomes priceless in the playoffs. Kneckett adds a pure shot advantage to the aging roster (9.1 PPG and 37.6% 3-PT FG) and youthful energy. If the Lakers have a poor record after James, the 2026 draft pick exchange gives the Bucks a chance to get a quality pick, and the unprotected 2031 first-round pick could change the team once Los Angeles’ current core ages. Is the Lakers' offer sufficient support for the introduction of Antetokounmpo?

From paper, this is a reliable offer. The Lakers have given up four rotation players, including a rising star from Reeves and a future draft pick that could become valuable in the future. But is this enough to keep a two-time MVP still at its peak? This is where things get tricky. From the Bucks’ point of view, this offer brings a balance of today’s talent and future flexibility. But no All-Star star came back in this deal.

This offer might be attractive if the Bucks management is determined to remain relevant and avoid a full breakdown, but if their goal is to rebuild with the largest draft assets, they may need more draft picks and younger core players.

Ultimately, if Antetokounmpo makes it clear that Los Angeles is his preferred destination and he won't sign anywhere else for a long time, the Bucks will get less rewards and the Lakers' plans will start to look very reasonable. In this case, the Lakers will put all their chips in, weakening their depth to create the ultimate Big Three.