When it was all said and done, it was the Miami Heat who won the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes, with the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and champion taking his talents to South Beach.
For the other 29 teams' fanbases, it gives them a reason to raise their fists and ask why their beloved club's front office didn't do enough to get Antetokounmpo.
Take, for example, the legion of frustrated Los Angeles Lakers supporters, who have converged on social media to express their disappointment. Many of them are directing their anger at Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.
“Watch Pelinka jus sit back and relax and watch everything not change for the Lakers except Luka getting traded and LeBron retiring,” a fan said.
“Are we even getting someone before draft #Lakers? What is the point of having so much of cap space if it's not gonna be used🤦 Is this gonna a Pelinka masterclass or disasterclass? 24hrs to go,” a social media user on X shared.
“Rob Pelinka dead**s better at executing superstar trades than Brad Stevens, lord have mercy… just sheer anger and disappointment,” another one commented.
“Pelinka you’re on a timer buddy,” a different fan said.
“old senile man got a deal done before you rob pelinka. he’s gonna resign austin rui bron hayes
then trade for a backup wing 🕊️🕊️🕊️,” another comment read.
Pelinka delivered Luka Doncic to the Lakers in a stunning trade in 2025, but LA fans are always hungry for a big name, and many of them think it's a bad look for Pelinka that the team missed out on Antetokounmpo, even though the Purple & Gold weren't among the chief players in the Giannis sweepstakes in the first place.
