NBA Insider reveals Luka Doncic reason Lakers could lose Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes

“Dončić has made it clear to the Lakers that he would like to continue playing with Reaves, according to league sources,” Woike and Amick wrote Tuesday. “Beyond their close friendship, Dončić believes in Reaves as a long-term piece next to him.”

“Multiple league sources said that belief was best illustrated when Dončić told people within the organization that he wouldn’t want Reaves included in any potential trade packages for Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo.”

“Dončić, those sources say, would strongly prefer a team construction that includes him and Reaves alongside whatever star the Lakers could acquire. The Lakers are expected to explore Antetokounmpo trade scenarios this summer.”

It would be nearly impossible for the Lakers to acquire Antetokounmpo without packaging Reaves and other enticing assets in a blockbuster deal. Reaves would be a great rebuilding piece for the Bucks, as the Oklahoma product would provide Milwaukee with a proven bucket-getter who’s been a part of several playoff-bound Lakers teams and would likely thrive as Milwaukee’s No. 1 scoring option (though he must tighten up his ball-handling and eventually develop into a serviceable defender).

Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game with the Lakers this season, connecting on 49.0% of his field goals and 36.0% of his three-point jumpers, but didn’t move the needle for the franchise in the postseason.

If Doncic truly values his partnership with Reaves, though, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where the Lakers outbid franchises such as the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Golden State Warriors for Antetokounmpo this summer.

Woike and Amick’s report is a major gut-punch for a Lakers squad that has yet to reach the NBA Finals with Reaves as one of the organization’s primary playmakers.

More NBA news:

• Lakers predicted to cut ties with Austin Reaves, acquire $150 million Cavaliers seven-time All-Star
• Warriors-Nuggets trade pitch sends $207 million All-Star, NBA champion to Golden State
• Lakers-Wizards trade pitch sends $186 million 10-time All-Star, NBA champion back to Los Angeles