The Los Angeles Lakers are frequently linked in NBA rumors to top superstars on the trade market. While Milwaukee Bucks’ perennial MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo might request a trade this summer, don’t expect the Lakers to be on his list of desired landing spots

Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, senior NBA writer Sam Amick of The Athletic explained why he believes Antetokounmp wouldn’t have any interest in playing for the Lakers.

“I don’t see that because…This season with the Bucks, when Damian Lillard was out because of the bloodclot, we kinda got reminded that Giannis really likes the ball in his hands. He had this quote that I think everyone in the organization certainly took notice of.”

Sam Amick on why he doesn’t believe Giannis Antetokounmpo would want to play for the Lakers

Speaking to reporters this past season, Antetokounmpo explained through his metaphor that when you have control of the ‘cookie jar’ you get to control what happens with the cookies and when you have one. If the cookie car is being passed around, then you’re more in a hurry and you feel more limited.

In this case, being traded to the Lakers would mean having to share the basketball with Luka Doncic. While it could theoretically work over time, doing so would limit what Antetokounmpo can do with the basketball and he wouldn’t feel like he can operate with the same freedom and patience.

Even if the Lakers made the best offer, which is unlikely, Amich believes Antetokounmpo will be dictating where he lands. The NBA insider shared that he thinks Antetokounmpo would provide Milwaukee with just a few teams he would accept a trade to, a list that might not include the Lakers because of the poor fit.

Ultimately, the Lakers will likely have to focus on high-end starters and role players who can play off the ball and are comfortable working off Doncic. While it rules out a trade for a superstar, Los Angeles will still have plenty of options this summer.