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Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to build around Luka Doncic long-term. Rumors have surrounded the team that Giannis Antetokounmpo is a top target to pair with Doncic moving into the future.
Ahead of the NBA trade deadline this year, the Lakers were consistently talked about as a team who would like to acquire Antetokounmpo. However, they will have a much better chance of making that kind of a move during the offseason.
When all was said and done, the Milwaukee Bucks opted to keep Antetokounmpo through the deadline. That will set up an offseason full of trade rumors surrounding the superstar forward. Los Angeles is sure to be at the middle of those rumors.
On the outside looking in, the idea of a Doncic and Antetokounmpo pairing sounds good. That being said, one NBA champion isn’t sure he likes the idea.
Danny Green Doesn’t Love Lakers’ Dreams of Pairing Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Over the years, teams have tried to pair many superstars together with no successful result. That is something Green seemed to hint at about this scenario.
During an appearance on ESPN, Green weighed in with his thoughts about the idea of Doncic and Antetokounmpo becoming teammates on the Lakers.
“This fit with Giannis and Luka [Doncic], I don’t know if it works,” he said. “I’m not sure how I feel about it.”
There are quite a few reasons to believe that the two would be able to work playing alongside of each other. On the flip side, there are reasons to think that it could be a disaster waiting to happen.
The Pros and Cons of a Potential Luka, Giannis Duo
Obviously, both players are among the NBA’s best. If Los Angeles was able to acquire Antetokounmpo, the team would have more star power than most teams in the league.
Both players are elite individually. However, their fit playing with each other could be a question mark.
Doncic and Antetokounmpo both thrive with the basketball in their hands. That can be difficult to maneuver. Both players have shown a willingness to be playmakers for their teammates, but they’re used to being the go-to guy.
J.J. Redick would have his work cut out for him getting the two superstars on the same page each and every night. He would also have to figure out how to put the role players around them in positions to succeed.
At the end of the day, Doncic and Antetokounmpo playings side by side would be must-watch basketball. If the two could work it out, there is a chance they could bring multiple championships to the Los Angeles Lakers. If they didn’t figure things out, it could go down as an all-time disaster.
Evan Massey Evan Massey is a sports reporter and analyst located in Indianapolis, Indiana who covers the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, and college sports. He has been featured on many publications, including Newsweek, Athlon Sports, ESPN, Yahoo! Sports, Forbes, Bleacher Report, Sporting News, and many others. In his free time, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife and son. More about Evan Massey
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