NBA Rumors: Kostas Antetokounmpo Return Could Be Tied To Lakers Plans For Giannis

Giannis Antetokounmpo has yet to decide on whether to sign the supermax deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. And until that becomes official, multiple NBA teams will be keeping tabs since they could get the chance to snag him from the Bucks. That list would include the Los Angeles Lakers.

The purple and gold are undoubtedly the big winners of this NBA free agency, signing Montrezl Harrell, Dennis Schroder and Marc Gasol among others. These are quality addition for the franchise who could make it back-to-back NBA title triumphs.

They could still get some more players moving forward. But for the Lakers, attention has now shifted to their old crew. The latest addition is Kostas Antetokounmpo who signed a new two-way contract with the club for the 2020-21 season, NBA.com reported.

In the eyes of critics, it makes little sense to bring back someone who averaged only 1.4 points in four minutes of action last NBA season. However, Kostas did have a better performance playing for the South Bay Lakers. He averaged 14.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks during his stint, seeing action for 25.4 minutes on the floor.

Regardless if he was hardly felt or not, Kostas Antetokounmpo is officially an NBA champion. And if he stays with the club for the entire 2020-21 NBA season, a second one could be forthcoming. But the question there is will he be utilized by head coach Frank Vogel?

If someone were to look beyond the signing, it would likely be tied to a possible pursuit of Giannis next offseason if he does not sign the max deal with the Bucks. Marc Stein of the New York Times tweeted that it could go down by Dec. 21.

But if no signing happens, Antetokounmpo will rock the league next offseason and get ridiculous offers. However, if an NBA title is what he wants, the Lakers would be a wise choice. But given the purple and gold’s limited budget, how will this happen?

Anthony Davis has yet to sign a deal of his own and the word going around is that there is something deeper to it. Davis may get a short-term deal and opt-out next offseason. LeBron James is also likely to do the same, giving the Lakers financial flexibility.

From there, it will be the numbers game for Los Angeles. They may try to find the right mix to fit Davis, James and Antetokounmpo to form a super team moving forward.

Of course, Kostas could be someone the Lakers are trying to be patient with to see if he can blossom as well. He has that chance this season. But if he fails to do so, most will consider the signing as a possible seed to draw the attention of the Greek Freak if they win it all again this season.