Los Angeles Lakers: Could they lose chance at Paul George to the Cavaliers?

In the midst of the NBA Finals, reports have already surfaced about what, or who the Cleveland Cavaliers need to add to their roster in the offseason. Unfortunately for the Los Angeles Lakers, that may be Paul George.

Just two games into the NBA Finals and the hot takes on the Cavaliers looming offseason are already firing. The popular move has become Paul George to Cleveland. George is not a free agent until 2018 but has made his displeasure with the Indiana Pacers very public. It’s well known that for some time, George, a Southern California native, has wanted to play for the Lakers and return the team to glory.

But instead of pursuing a trade for George, L.A. will likely take its chances on signing him in 2018 as a free agent. However, with the way the Finals have played out so far (it’s still early), people are already looking ahead to the Cavs’ offseason and their potential acquisitions. Chris Broussard certainly is, as he explained on The Herd who Cleveland should be after.

George came up as a potential target of the Cavaliers to increase their chances at battling with the Golden State Warriors, who look like they will be really good for another few years at least.

Could this trade happen? Well first, the NBA season has to officially end. But hypothetically, the move would clearly be beneficial for both parties. First, the Cavaliers would have to make it clear to George that they not only want him but need him. Certainly losing to the Warriors in under six games would accomplish that. Second, they would have to offer a trade, most likely for Kevin Love, in order to bring George over, and although it seems obvious, George would have to make it clear to the Pacers that he will walk in 2018 if not traded to Cleveland.

Now say all the logistics work out, George would definitely make the Cavs better, at least on paper. No shade to Love, but if Cleveland had to choose which player out of their big three is expendable, it’s him. Then if given a choice of Paul George or Kevin Love, the answer would definitely be George.

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PG13 has a long body, more offensive prowess than Love, and a stronger defensive presence. If George is ready to win-now and is willing to put his one-sided rivalry with LeBron James aside, the two of them along with Kyrie Irving would make an even better Cavaliers team than this year’s. Of course, that would mean George would need to be willing to let go of his desire to lead the Lakers out of the ashes and back to the promise land.

In the end a decision like this would come down to whether George wants to be the guy, or if he just wants to win.