Brian Windhorst Uses Kobe Bryant's Example To Explain Why Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Leave Bucks

• Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it clear that he will consider leaving the Milwaukee Bucks if they aren't contenders

• Brian Windhorst thinks that the Bucks having some down seasons is bound to happen

• He used Kobe Bryant's 2007 trade request from the Lakers as an example to explain why Giannis could leave

Giannis Antetokounmpo shocked the NBA world a little when he suggested that he could leave if the Milwaukee Bucks aren't championship contenders in the future. 

And Brian Windhorst thinks this is an inevitability, using Kobe Bryant as an example of what might happen in Giannis' case in the coming seasons. 

“If I had to predict, I would say probably elsewhere," Windhorst said on ESPN. "The reason is because the league is not designed to support one team contending at the highest level for this long."

He added, "Woj talked about the Golden State Warriors, I’ll compare to the Los Angeles Lakers, with Kobe. 

"Even in that run, over 20 years, Kobe [Bryant]got so frustrated that he asked for a trade at one point… And the rules even got harder to keep your championship team.”

The Milwaukee Bucks have finished as the 1st seed in the Easter Conference thrice in the last five seasons. The lowest they have been is 3rd. Giannis Antetokounmpo has also led them to an NBA title. It's only natural if they have a down year as the players continue to age and key contributors decline. 

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Kobe Bryant Aggressively Requested A Trade From The Los Angeles Lakers In 2007

In hindsight, Kobe Bryant's career with the Los Angeles Lakers feels ideal. He won five championships and played for the team for two decades, winning every possible honor including two Finals MVPs and an MVP. 

However, it was anything but a smooth ride. In 2007, after three years without contending at the highest level after Shaquille O'Neal's departure, even Kobe Bryant wanted to leave. 

And he was aggressive in his approach too, Kobe Bryant's words from 16 years ago show how pissed off he was with the Lakers. He said, "You know you was trying to rebuild. You told me something different. I re-signed because of what you promised me. You know the blame that you've cast upon me."

He also added, "At this point, I'll go play on Pluto right now. You know what I mean? I just want to -- I just want to work hard, I just want to play, just enjoy the game of basketball, you know."

Kobe Bryant would stay with the Los Angeles Lakers and they would go on to win two more NBA championships. So if Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to follow his example, maybe staying with the Bucks would be his best bet. 

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The Milwaukee Bucks Will Be Contenders Next Season

Giannis Antetokounmpo is under contract till 2025, and while he isn't signing a contract extension right now, it doesn't mean he won't in 2024. 

The Milwaukee Bucks are still contenders going into next season. They have brought back Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, and Jrue Holiday is still with the team. The core of their championship team is still very much intact. 

If the Milwaukee Bucks can make waves next season and make it back to the NBA Finals, that would be a huge step towards retaining Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

The best thing about the league is how unpredictable it can be. Giannis Antetokounmpo could stay a Buck, he could become a Laker, only time will tell what the future holds for the two-time MVP. 

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