Dwight Howard Sends Giannis a Message With Lakers Twist

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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Dwight Howard seems confident the Los Angeles Lakers could land Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Following a rumor-filled Wednesday afternoon, Antetokounmpo suited up for the Milwaukee Bucks to take on the Detroit Pistons. Not even one quarter into the game, Antetokounmpo was back in the locker room getting looked at after what appeared to be a non-contact injury.

Eventually, the Bucks ruled Antetokounmpo out for the remainder of the game. He was reportedly dealing with a calf strain. Hours after the Bucks took care of business against the Pistons, the NBA legend Dwight Howard took to social media to send Giannis a message—and the message had a Lakers spin to it.

“Aye Giannis don’t go trying to play on that calf strain just take your time and get back right,” Howard wrote on the social media platform, X. “Lake Show need you!”

That was a follow-up to Howard expressing his interest in seeing a big three of Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James. The post came hours after Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks came into question.

What Drama is Brewing in Milwaukee?

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks has been in question since the end of Milwaukee’s postseason run last spring. There have been conflicting reports about Antetokounmpo’s offseason.

Some have suggested that Antetokounmpo considered demanding a trade to the New York Knicks. Others claimed that Antetokounmpo said no such thing. When he addressed the rumors publicly, Antetokounmpo made it clear his heard is in Milwaukee, but the situation could be re-evaluated over time.

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On Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent have “started conversations” with the Bucks about the multi-time MVP’s future. While that doesn’t guarantee that Antetokounmpo will be on the move, it certainly adds steam to the rumors that Giannis won’t finish out his current contract with the Bucks.

The expectation is that the Knicks would remain as Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination. Howard, among many other fans, has dreams of the Lakers picking up the superstar, adding to their star-studded roster.

For the time being, Antetokounmpo has some recovering to do.

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