As young teams rise rapidly across the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks know time is running out to build a true championship contender around Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to Jeetbuzz Login, the franchise is well aware that without urgent upgrades, the “Greek Freak” era may soon be a thing of the past. A life that’s all mapped out offers no real choices—and the Bucks seem ready to make a tough one. After a full season with Damian Lillard, the team has recognized that his presence has done more harm than good. Offensively, the gains have been minimal. Defensively, the decline has been significant. If Milwaukee can’t find a way to move Lillard, their title hopes may diminish with each passing year.

In today’s market, any team that takes on Lillard would be seen as overpaying—what some might call a “sucker’s deal.” His strengths aren’t enough to elevate a team to championship status, while his weaknesses, especially on defense, could drag a roster down. It’s clear that any team acquiring Lillard wouldn’t be making a championship push, but rather absorbing a bloated contract with limited upside. For the Bucks, dumping Lillard now would be cutting their losses, though the trade market isn’t exactly hot. Still, they’ve adjusted their focus and are eyeing the Los Angeles Lakers as a potential partner.

The Lakers previously expressed interest in Lillard and are reportedly in the market for a third star this offseason. If LeBron James is on board, this trade could become a reality—especially since the Lakers have assets the Bucks would covet. Sources say Milwaukee is targeting Austin Reaves and three first-round picks. Reaves, outside of LeBron and Anthony Davis, is currently the Lakers’ most valuable trade chip. To sweeten the deal, Milwaukee is even willing to take on Gabe Vincent’s unfavorable contract—demonstrating a real willingness to get the deal done.

With the Lakers still struggling to land a third star, the Bucks’ offer may come at the right time. Given GM Rob Pelinka’s inconsistent moves in recent years, Jeetbuzz Login believes Milwaukee could potentially sway the Lakers with the right pitch.

However, analysts are split on whether a trio of Lillard, LeBron, and Davis would truly improve the Lakers. Lillard, while a stronger offensive player than D’Angelo Russell, doesn’t address the team’s defensive weaknesses. Giving up Reaves would only make that issue worse. More importantly, Lillard may struggle to adapt to LeBron’s ball-dominant system. If his touches are reduced, his impact might not be any greater than Russell’s.

Jeetbuzz Login suggests Donovan Mitchell would be a better fit. He’s a proven scorer who can carry the offensive load when LeBron or AD rest, helping the Lakers avoid cold spells. Mitchell also brings solid one-on-one skills, playmaking, and dependable defense—traits that mesh well with James’ playing style. He’s trusted in crunch time and could form a more balanced Big Three in Los Angeles.

Though the past cannot be changed, there’s always hope for what’s ahead. As the Lakers gear up for another title push, acquiring Donovan Mitchell may be the smarter, more strategic play. With the Cavaliers out of the playoff picture, Jeetbuzz Login believes now is the perfect time for the Lakers to seize the moment and strike a deal that puts them back in serious title contention.