The race for Giannis Antetokounmpo just got a little less crowded, and that's great news for the Boston Celtics.

As the NBA's most coveted player this summer—should he opt out of an extension with the Milwaukee Bucks—Antetokounmpo has teams lining up for a chance to land the two-time MVP. The Celtics have already been floated as a top contender in any potential blockbuster trade, but the competition is fierce. Or at least it was.

One major threat just took a step back: the Los Angeles Lakers. Following a sweep at the hands of the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder, the Lakers are reportedly expected to "explore" trades for Antetokounmpo. But there's a catch—and it's a big one for Boston's rivals.

According to The Athletic's Dan Woike and Sam Amick, Lakers star Luka Dončić has made it clear he wants to keep Austin Reaves on the roster. Reaves would almost certainly need to be included in any deal to bring Antetokounmpo to L.A., but Dončić—who has already signed a max extension with the Lakers—has told team insiders he "wouldn't want Reaves included in any potential trade packages" for the Bucks superstar. Beyond their close friendship, Dončić believes in Reaves as a long-term piece and would prefer a team built around both of them alongside whatever star they acquire.

Since Dončić is the franchise's future, the Lakers are likely to honor his wishes. That, combined with a limited stash of draft picks and young assets, effectively takes L.A. out of the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. One less powerhouse in the mix means one less hurdle for the Celtics, who are already considered among the frontrunners to land the Greek Freak.

For Boston fans, fewer rivals in the chase is a win—and with Dončić's loyalty to Reaves, the path to Giannis just got a little clearer.