Why Lakers fans are freaking out after Giannis Antetokounmpo's recent 'I don't like L.A.' comment

Why Lakers fans are freaking out after Giannis Antetokounmpo's recent 'I don't like L.A.' comment originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

While the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2025-26 season is far from over, the franchise likely has Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo on the back of its mind.

Unsurprisingly, Milwaukee failed to reach the postseason this year. With the Bucks expected to field trade offers for Antetokounmpo this summer, it would make sense for Los Angeles to monitor the two-time MVP’s situation in Milwaukee despite having a more important task at hand.

However, many Lakers fans have begun to lose their composure on social media after Antetokounmpo’s recent ‘I don’t like L.A.’ comment during a recent podcast episode, and for good reason.

"Miami,” Antetokounmpo said when he asked where he would spend a vacation in an ideal situation last Friday. Miami, Miami. I think L.A. is superficial. I don't like L.A."

Although Antetokounmpo didn’t state that he had zero interest in playing for the Lakers, it’s a bit disheartening that the 6-foot-11 isn’t a huge fan of Los Angeles.

After all, it helps when players genuinely enjoy the city they’re living in after a blockbuster trade, with Luka Doncic being a prime example.

The former Dallas Mavericks star was undoubtedly caught off guard when Dallas traded him to the Lakers last February. However, one of the primary reasons his transition from Dallas to Los Angeles has been smooth is that he approached the move with an open mind and has since expressed love for the city that welcomed him with open arms.