Report: Giannis Antetokounmpo in SHOCK Lakers plan to oust LeBron James before contract expires

May 26, 2019

James swapped Cleveland Cavaliers for the Lakers last year and penned a four-year contract.

But according to Bleacher Report, the small forward has an option in his favour to walk away in 2020/21.

The Lakers hierarchy are apparently keen to acquire Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee Bucks as the long-term replacement for James.

They are even said to have hired Jason Kidd as their assistant head coach to tempt the No 15 2003 draft pick to join.

That would give Kidd two years to convince Antetokounmpo that Los Angeles is right for him.

But judging by past comments, it looks highly unlikely the 24-year-old will want to move to Hollywood.

“I’m a low-profile guy,” Antetokounmpo told Marc Stein of the New York Times in 2017.

“I don’t like all these flashy cities like LA or Miami.

“I don’t know if I could be the same player if I played in those cities.”

In the meantime, the Lakers are hoping two add another couple of star players to their roster for next season.

James was unable to inspire his side into the play-offs in his maiden campaign at the Staples Centre.

But he has already started to help recruit fresh blood.

Boston Celtics’ Kyrie Irving and Toronto Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard are two stars linked with a move to the Lakers.

Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson are also out of contract this summer.