Recent Lakers Rumors are that the team has begun talks with the Indiana Pacers about a possible trade for Paul George.
As the NBA Draft approaches, there have been a ton of Lakers rumors surrounding what will happen with the team on draft day.
A few days ago, there was another wrinkle added to the Lakers’ offseason. Multiple reports came out that Indiana Pacers forward Paul George informed the team that he would be leaving Indiana as a free agent after next season. Also, he preferred to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.
This was certainly huge news for the Lakers, as George is a bonafide star in the NBA, and could certainly help turn things around in Los Angeles. However, the Pacers are wisely trying to trade George before he has the chance to walk in free agency.
As their best player, the Pacers can’t afford to let George walk as a free agent without getting anything in return. Since that news broke, they have been shopping him.
After not showing interest in trading for George, the Lakers are now reportedly interested in trying to trade for him instead of waiting. According to Ramona Shelburne, the Lakers have engaged with the Pacers in trade talks about George.
League sources tell @RamonaShelburne and me: The Pacers and Lakers have engaged on Paul George trade talks in advance of Thursday's draft.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 20, 2017
Since the Pacers are actively trying to trade George, the Lakers could be worried that he is traded elsewhere and then likes it. With rumors about playing with LeBron James in Cleveland coming out recently, the Lakers might not want to risk losing George.
However, it all comes down to the price. Even though George is a great player, the Lakers do hold some power in negotiations. Since George wants to play for Los Angeles, the Lakers might be able to get a discounted price since other teams might be scared to trade a lot for him and then see him walk as a free agent.
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With a lot of young assets and draft picks, the Lakers certainly have the ammo to trade for George. Now, it’s about seeing what the cost would be.