NBA Rumors: Lakers Bring Back Kostas Antetokounmpo With Different Intent In Mind

Though he did not see much action last season, the Los Angeles Lakers have brought back Kostas Antetokounmpo to the fold for the 2020-21 NBA season.

It will be a two-way contract, the same deal that he had last year with the purple and gold.

The signing was announced by the Lakers on Thanksgiving, NBA.com reported. He only suited up in five games for the Lakers last season, averaging 1.4 points in four minutes of play.

Kostas had more playing time when he wore the South Bay Lakers jersey last season. He averaged 14.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 25.4 minutes of action.

He notched 10 double-doubles in that stint and tallied double figures 33 times. In eight of those outings, he was able to score more than 20 points.

With an NBA ring already credited to him, the younger Antetokounmpo could end up bagging a second one if the Lakers would be able to pull off a back-to-back feat.

If that happens, it would not come as a surprise if Giannis Antetokounmpo ends up trolling his younger brother anew.

Giannis trolled Kostas on social media back in October when his sibling appeared to be recreating one of the familiar scenes from the movie “Titanic.”

But beyond that, having Kostas back could be a seed planted by the Lakers for something big. Giannis has yet to sign a supermax deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, and it could happen on the Dec. 21 deadline, Marc Stein of the New York Times tweeted.

It remains to be seen if Antetokounmpo can finally put a lid on the matter by then.

If no signing happens, the Lakers could possibly be using Kostas as bait to lure Giannis to join the Lakers. Hence, it could make sense why Anthony Davis has yet to re-sign a max contract of his own.

In a previous post, it was mentioned how the delay in Davis’ new deal could be part of an even bigger plan for the Lakers.

It could be the numbers game right now with Davis thinking long-term. He could sign a deal where he could opt out again next season alongside LeBron James.

This scenario would give the Lakers flexibility in adding a third star, possibly Giannis Antetokounmpo if the Bucks fail to secure that supermax deal soon.

Then again, recalling Kostas could be because the Lakers see potential in him. But the question now is, will he get more playing time this 2020-21 season?