LeBron James in the gym yessir.

Giannis has a possible interest in joining the Knicks or Lakers

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the NBA’s longest-tenured players for a single team. He has helped the Milwaukee Bucks to many NBA Playoff appearances and the 2021 NBA Championship. Giannis has been hesitant to sign an extension with the Bucks as the team’s core continues to age.

Many people are surprised because Giannis has been a model of dedication to a small-market NBA franchise, similar to Damian Lillard before his trade request from the Portland Trail Blazers.

“The (Los Angeles) Lakers and the (New York) Knicks have already been mentioned as potential destinations for Antetokounmpo if he decides to leave Milwaukee.” According to NBA expert Marc Stein. “You can be certain, if nothing else, that The Giannis Watch is back on.”

What caused Giannis’ hesitancy with the Bucks?

The Bucks have constantly been a title contender since winning the NBA championship in 2021. In the seasons 2021/22 and 2022/23, they finished first in the East. However, they were eliminated in a contested semifinal series with the Boston Celtics in the former and annihilated by an 8th-seeded Miami Heat in the latter in the 2023 Playoffs.

As a result, head coach Mike Budenholzer was fired and Adrian Griffin was hired to replace him. Giannis backed Griffin in the coaching search since he is a former NBA player and a long-time assistant coach in the league, most notably with the Toronto Raptors.

Giannis is confident in Griffin’s ability to lead the Bucks to success, but he is also aware that anything is possible. Giannis and the Bucks may not be on the same page when it comes to winning a championship. If that happens, Giannis is unlikely to sign his deal because he wants to make the most of his time in Milwaukee and win another title.