Lakers Reportedly Claim Giannis Antetokounmpo's Brother Kostas off Waivers
By Jerry Trotta
The Los Angeles Lakers aren't quite finished polishing off their roster.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, the franchise has claimed forward Kostas Antetokounmpo off free agency waivers. Kostas, of course, is the brother of Milwaukee Bucks superstar and reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Los Angeles Lakers have claimed Kostas Antetokounmpo off free agency waivers, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 21, 2019
The former 60th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft appeared in just two games for the Dallas Mavericks during his rookie campaign, playing 11 total minutes during which he scored two points.
Shams understands that the Lakers will give Kostas a two-day deal, becoming the second player on LA's roster to be offered such a contract (Zach Norvell Jr being the other).
Kostas Antetokounmpo — the younger brother of NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo — heads to the Lakers on a two-way deal. https://t.co/zpdgRZaedj
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 21, 2019
We don't expect the Greek international to play much of a role with LeBron James and Co. However, it's worth speculating that the move could be a subliminal plot to lure Giannis to sunny Los Angeles when he becomes a restricted free agent in 2021.
All told, this is mere speculation and Pelinka could very well fancy Kostas' abilities and see him as a viable role player in 2019-2020.
Whatever the case, this summer's sheer unpredictability has taught us that anything is possible and that it's almost always worth playing the ever-enticing role as a skeptic.