Report: Lakers 'pursued' Giannis Antetokounmpo at NBA trade deadline

"Sources said postseason teams such as the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, [New York] Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers pursued Antetokounmpo at the February deadline, and their finishes to the campaign will play a major factor in their aggressiveness to trade for him," Charania wrote.

However, Antetokounmpo will reportedly have plenty of say in where he goes, and he hasn't given any indication that the Lakers are one team he's open to playing for.

"Rival executives believe that Antetokounmpo's desired teams will be the largest factor in his trade destination. He is essentially on an expiring contract, with next season guaranteed in his deal before a player option in 2027, providing him leverage to navigate to a specific team based on whether he would agree to stay long term given the players and picks needed to acquire him."

Antetokounmpo, who will turn 32 years of age on Dec. 6, averaged 27.6 points on 62.4% field-goal shooting, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists a game, although he appeared in just 36 games due to injury. Los Angeles will be able to offer two future first-round draft picks, as well as the rights to their first-round pick this year, in any potential trade this summer.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Report: Lakers 'pursued' Giannis Antetokounmpo at NBA trade deadline