2. Paul George
Before the NBA Draft Lottery ever occurred and before the Lakers knew for sure that they would be keeping their pick—much less that they’d be picking at No. 2—there were rumors floated out there that the organization was interested in heavily pursuing Indiana Pacers forward Paul George. With the firing of Frank Vogel, that actually makes it seem like anything is possible out of the Pacers camp right now and that PG-13 might actually be attainable.
Subsequently, the Lakers should unquestionably make an all-out run at George. Over his career with the Pacers, before and after the injury, George has prove himself to be the exact type of player that the Lakers need on their roster to start taking the proper steps toward relevance. He’s the type of two-way player that can dominate in numerous facets of the game and also be a leader for young players. It’s truly an ideal fit that would also give the Lakers a superstar going forward—and a young one at that.
Obviously it’d take a bit more than just the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft to lure George away from the Pacers, no matter what’s going on currently in the front office. As long as it’s pieces that you’d feel comfortable giving up though, it’d be worth it for the Lakers.
Next: No. 1 DeMarcus Cousins