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Clippers must use Giannis trade fiasco to strike elsewhere

Iliyan Lakhani
Iliyan Lakhani

Clipperholics

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks / Patrick McDermott/GettyImages

As Giannis Antetokounmpo trade scenarios are popping up everywhere, like waves in the ocean, the Milwaukee Bucks will eventually be overwhelmed with offers. However, because everyone wants Antetokounmpo, the LA Clippers have an opportunity to use his buzz as a distraction towards Zach LaVine on the Sacramento Kings.

LaVine just had one of his best games in a Kings uniform against the elite, well-rounded Miami Heat, with 42 points and five rebounds, shooting 50% from the field and 61.5% from a distance.

The impressiveness behind these numbers is elevated, as LaVine had just two points on five shot attempts in a 26-point loss to the Houston Rockets. He just did not get the ball enough, and when he did, fans saw how easy he makes 42 points look.

Thus, the Kings’ losses will have LaVine on a pedestal on their trade block. He will be their top star available and one of the highest-regarded in the league, behind Antetokounmpo.

The LA Clippers need Zach LaVine’s scoring services in their abysmal, underperforming offense

Zach LaVine has always had a specific burst to his game. This has nothing to do with athleticism, even though he is one of the best dunkers in the world; yet, it is just something about his scoring, where he can go from five points to 20 in a heartbeat, which is indescribable.

This season for the Sacramento Kings, LaVine is averaging 20.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, shooting 48.7% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc.

Furthermore, just as Farbod Esnaashari, an insider for the Clippers, pointed out after his 42-point season-high against Miami, LaVine would click perfectly with the LA. They are urgently calling for a guy like him in their system.

Via trade, the Clippers’ only hurdle would be salary matching, which is easy. They need to give Sacramento roughly $48 million, and it would be a done deal.

LaVine may not find it ideal to be in Sacramento, a team with a current record of 6-17, then later in LA, a team with a current record of 6-18. Both are losing franchises in 2025-26, but the Clippers have more upside, where the UCLA product could bring out the best in them.

That said, amid the craziness going on in Milwaukee with Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Clippers should take the national sports news by storm and announce a successful trade with the Kings for LaVine, a two-time all-star.

Iliyan Lakhani

Iliyan Lakhani

Iliyan Lakhani is the Site Expert for FanSided’s Clipperholics, covering the LA Clippers, and a senior contributor for Daily Knicks, covering the New York Knicks. He started writing for Clipperholics in April of 2022 and began his Daily Knicks journey in March of 2026. Simultaneously, Iliyan has written for FanSided’s Reign of Troy, covering the USC Trojans, and HoopsHabit, covering the NBA. With a degree in Sports Communications from UAB, he has also gained experience through internships with Sports Radio America and Fantom Sports Industries. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball with friends and family.