The Los Angeles Lakers have a new identity, and it now centers around Luka Dončić, a superstar determined not just to win games but to reshape the franchise.

After engineering key roster moves with DeAndre Ayton and Marcus Smart, Dončić reportedly has set his sights on an even bigger target: two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Of course, this dream acquisition will require the sacrifice of many players. It's only a matter of time until LA is ready for this transition if the rumors prove true.

Luka Dončić's Leverage Increases Within the Lakers Organization

NBA Trade Rumors: Are Bucks Convincing Antetokounmpo to Stay? Here's
Giannis Antetokounmpo/Instagram

Since arriving, Dončić has made himself the face of the Lakers, and his influence extends far beyond the floor now. According to Fox32 Chicago's Lou Canellis, Dončić has actively encouraged the Lakers front office to pursue Antetokounmpo. His push came amid reports that Giannis briefly entertained the idea of leaving Milwaukee earlier this year.

Canellis mentioned that the Lakers and Knicks were in the mix, with Dončić reaching out personally. Milwaukee reportedly turned down early offers, including one with Karl-Anthony Towns as the centerpiece, and declined further discussions.

"Giannis wants to leave because he wants to win."

Giannis Antetokounmpo's Uncertain Future in Milwaukee

With the continued struggles of the Bucks, now firmly near the bottom of the Eastern Conference play-in race, Giannis and his agent have officially begun discussions with the team about his long-term future.

ESPN's Shams Charania said that a resolution could be reached in the coming weeks, an important development for a team sitting at 9–13.

Adding to the uncertainty, Giannis suffered a calf strain expected to sideline him for up to a month. Coach Doc Rivers pushed back on the trade chatter, insisting Giannis has never asked out, but NBA insiders aren't buying it. With the Bucks falling to 11th in the East, pressure continues to mount.

Analysts Doubt If Lakers Can Realistically Land Giannis

Even the possibility of Antetokounmpo's availability creates significant hurdles for Los Angeles. According to NBA insiders, including Jovan Buha, the Lakers would have to pursue a deal, but they would be at a significant disadvantage going into the sweepstakes.

The biggest issue is salary matching.

According to Heavy, Austin Reaves represents the most valuable of the trade chips L.A. can offer, but his $13.9 million salary falls far short of Giannis' $54.1 million. Draft capital is also limited as the Lakers have only one first-round pick available this season and three next summer.

Milwaukee would most likely want a young franchise cornerstone, plus several picks, which is just something the Lakers cannot offer.

A 'Found Money' Scenario

Dan Woike from The Athletic called the dream scenario "found money," much like how Luka came to be a Laker unexpectedly. For this to work, Woike says things would need to get ugly in Milwaukee, all the way to Giannis forcing the team's hand.

The Lakers' best realistic future offer? Three picks and cap flexibility. As Woike bluntly put it, the offer is there, but it's not "good enough."