The Los Angeles Lakers already boast two superstars in LeBron James and Luka Doncic, a duo that should be enough to attract top talent to Hollywood. But it’s LeBron’s son, Bronny James, who might be the surprising factor in luring the next big name to create a championship-caliber ‘Big 3’—and that name is none other than Giannis Antetokounmpo. With Bronny’s recent rise, the Lakers could be on the verge of a blockbuster trade that makes them unstoppable in the West.
Bronny, a rookie, has started to turn heads, especially in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks where both LeBron and Doncic were sidelined. Stepping into a career-high 30 minutes, Bronny delivered 17 points, five assists, and three rebounds, showing flashes of star potential. He even had a highlight moment against Antetokounmpo, getting the Bucks’ star off-balance and drawing a foul attempt. Bronny’s ability to blow past defenders and knock down threes has the Lakers buzzing—he’s not just a role player anymore; he’s emerging as a legitimate piece for the future. Antetokounmpo, witnessing Bronny’s impact firsthand in a blowout loss, might see the Lakers as a team on the rise, with young talent to complement its veteran stars.
The Lakers desperately need a third star like Antetokounmpo to take the pressure off LeBron and Doncic. When both superstars have missed time, the team has struggled to maintain its high level of play. Austin Reaves has been solid, but he can’t carry the load as a primary option. Adding Antetokounmpo would solve that, allowing the Lakers to manage minutes among their stars—two can rest while one leads. Giannis, with his dominant down-low presence, is the missing piece to make Los Angeles a true contender in the Western Conference.
A trade for Antetokounmpo would likely see the Bucks seeking draft picks and a package including two of Reaves, Dalton Knecht, or Rui Hachimura. That deal would give Milwaukee more well-rounded depth, while the Lakers could still keep either Hachimura or Knecht alongside their new star. With Bronny’s emergence showing the Lakers’ future is bright, Antetokounmpo might be tempted to request a trade to join forces with LeBron and Doncic, forming a ‘Big 3’ that could dominate the NBA. If this trade happens, the Lakers might just become the annual contenders they’re aiming to be.
