NBA: Lakers Unlikely To Sign Giannis Antetokounmpo In 2021 Despite Having Enough Cap Space

Giannis Antetokounmpo to Lakers is unlikely to materialize in 2021 despite significant increase in cap space.

As early as now, the Lakers are already being linked to Antetokounmpo. Right after the NBA released its cap projections for 2021, many believed that the increase in Lakers’ salary cap will be meant to sign the “Greek Freak.”

In the same year Antetokounmpo will be hit free agency, the Lakers will have a $125 million dollars salary cap. The expected amount is enough to sign Antetokounmpo. However, LeBron James and Anthony Davis both have the option to stay and it will cost LA $41 million for each of them.

Given the amount, Lakers could still land Antetokounmpo if they will choose to renounce their rights to Kyle Kuzma. In 2021, Lakers will have Kuzma’s $10.6 million cap hold on their books which would limit their spending power to $32.9 million. All told, it appears that renouncing rights to Kuzma could be the only way the Lakers can make enough space for Antetokounmpo.

However, based on Lakers head coach Frank Vogel’s comments on Kuzma, it seems like the Lakers will try to keep the talented forward. In Vogel’s recent interview with Lakers.com, he commended Kuzma’s attitude.

According to Vogel, Kuzma could be one of the toughest players in the roster next season.

“Kuzma is a 10 out of 10 attitude and worker, and just a guy that’s going to be an ass kicker for us this year,” Vogel said.

Last May, rumors spread about Lakers planning to hire former Milwaukee Bucks coach Jason Kidd in the hope to land Antetokounmpo in 2021. From the look of how things are going, it seems like the rumors were true and the Lakers appeared to be taking the first step when they officially hired Kidd.

Just recently, Bucks GM Jon Horst stated that they are planning to offer Antetokounmpo a supermax extension as soon as the Bucks star becomes eligible, SLAM Online reported.

“So Giannis, basically, a year from now will be eligible for a supermax extension. At that time, of course, he will be offered a supermax extension,” Horst stated.

With Horst being positive about keeping Antetokounmpo, the Lakers could be taking a long shot if they will really pursue the Greek Freak.

Aside from the Lakers, the New York Knicks were also reportedly planning to join the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes in 2021. Shortly after the Knicks missed out on Kevin Durant, reports claim that the team is already preparing cap space for Antetokounmpo.