Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight? Exploring 8x NBA All-Star's availability vs Lakers | 2024 NBA preseason

Giannis Antetokounmpo will suit up when the LA Lakers take on the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum on Thursday (Oct. 10). The 'Greek Freak' did not suit up for the team's opening preseason game against the new-look Detroit Pistons, and the result was the latter blowing Milwaukee out 120-87. With the Lakers visiting, Doc Rivers just might let his star player take the floor.

Antetokounmpo is not listed on the injury list, making him a starter for the side with reduced minutes being a possibility. The forward will play alongside Damian Lillard as the Bucks look to get past the Lakers and hit the straps early in the season.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo rumored to be NBA's next blockbuster trade target

While Giannis Antetokounmpo looks for a productive preseason and tries for another playoff and beyond run, the rumors mills have already begun churning with the forward and Jimmy Butler as prime names to watch out for ahead of free agency.

According to Stein, the two-time NBA MVP's name was also mentioned, although he described that his move was "wishful thinking from teams hoping—as teams have in the past—that the Bucks unravel to the point that the two-time MVP eventually decides to force his way out."

Giannis Antetokounmpo inked a three-year, $186 million extension last season. The deal locks him in with the Bucks through at least the next couple of seasons, followed by a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 run.

The Bucks pulled off a blockbuster move last season by roping in Lillard to bolster Milwaukee's chances of winning another title. The team has not made deep playoff runs in the last couple of seasons and now it will be looking at a better run from its stars.

The franchise replaced its head coach last season as well with Rivers taking charge. Now, it will hope to get its ship back on track as it takes on the Lakers on Friday. Milwaukee will play the Chicago Bulls at home next, followed by the Dallas Mavericks on the road.