The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly hanging onto their 2026 first-round draft pick as a potential trade chip toward landing Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks’ 2025–26 season has not gone the way they wanted, especially in a year where they are trying to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo—eligible for an extension next fall—to stay around long term.

Contenders are circling around the 10th-place Bucks; the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks are among the likely teams positioning themselves to pursue Antetokounmpo in the weeks ahead.