Los Angeles Lakers: Paul George, Lonzo Ball combo appears possible
The NBA offseason has been in effect for only one week, but speculation of trade talk and rumors has wasted no time in holding Los Angeles Lakers fans over until the NBA Draft.
Los Angeles Lakers fans await eagerly as draft night approaches, with many having their sights set on Lonzo Ball.
As soon as the Lakers fell into the number two spot on May 16th, many believed there was no doubt Lonzo Ball would soon don the jersey of his favorite team.
On Monday, the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers finalized a trade that would swap the 1st and 3rd picks, which will solidify the 76ers intentions to draft Markelle Fultz from the University of Washington. This move, to most Laker fans, seems to cement preliminary thoughts of Ball being picked and fulfilling Lavar Ball’s dream of having his son play for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Draft Night Awaits
Many see Lonzo Ball being the perfect fit for the Lakers. Los Angeles, throughout its years in the NBA, seemed to always have marketable players gravitate towards the organization.
Josh Jackson, once a potential draftee for the Lakers, reportedly had disappointing workouts in both shooting and ball handling attributes that were regarded as strengths for the former five-star recruit. This report makes the majority of Laker fans giddy with suspense, making it likely LA will draft the former UCLA-star.
Lonzo’s personality itself isn’t gaudy as it is humble, yet his keen sense of bravado seems to mold perfectly in LA with its history of charismatic players. Lavar Ball, Lonzo’s father and de-facto hype man throughout his basketball career, fits the Los Angeles Lakers’ bill in terms of being a focal point for the media circus that has always surrounded the Lakers.
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The NBA Finals has been over and done with for about a week, but the offseason rumor mill continues to fill the doldrums that is the NBA summer.
Paul George made his intentions very clear with his current team, reportedly saying he wants to play out his last season under contract, and then leaving Indiana during the 2018 free agency to join Luke Walton and his Lakers for the foreseeable future.
ESPN writer, Adrian Wojnarowski was on the Chris Mannix show and claims Paul George doesn’t want to waste Indiana’s time, nor any other teams time, and pledges to join the Lakers in 2018:
"No matter who you are, no matter who has checked in or who potentially will check in, they’re gonna be told that Paul George is gonna play the season out and then he’s gonna go to the Lakers, that that’s his plan.”"
The Lakers are seemingly becoming the destination for Paul George next year, and with the progress of the Lakers’ current roster, and a potential draftee in Lonzo Ball, the Lakers are looking to be that possible playoff contender.
Paul George joining “superteam”?
Other rumors are surfacing, one of which are the Cavaliers looking to create specific three-team deals that would enable the organization to acquire either Jimmy Butler from the Chicago Bulls, or even landing Paul George from rival Indiana. Late Tuesday afternoon, the Cavaliers parted ways with General Manager David Griffin, with former NBA player Chauncey Billups being a potential suitor for the job.
The Washington Wizards have also expressed a desire to deal for George as well, but not exercising their option to part ways with either Bradley Beal or John Wall.
Kevin Prichard, new president of basketball operations of the Pacers, is now faced with decisions that former president of basketball ops Larry Bird would have inevitably seen.
Some fans and writers believe that the Lakers should pull the trigger and make a trade for Paul George now before its too late. Tom Ziller of SB nation believes, by acquiring George now, it is more feasible for future free agents to follow suit:
"“Instead of needing to open up the space to sign George outright, there’d be a smaller cap hold in place until he’s actually signed. This could help L.A. add a player in 2018, provided some other moves are made. “"
Although the Lakers don’t want to blow their chance at acquiring the first all-star on the roster since Kobe Bryant, being able to get George in free agency without losing key pieces, like Julius Randle or Brandon Ingram through a trade, seems like the ultimate win-win situation.
George, a four-time all-star, has already come out and reportedly stated his desire to come to LA, and with the probability of Lonzo Ball being drafted, the Lakers will become an already viable option for future free agents. (LeBron James can opt out at the end of the 2018 season. Just a thought.)
Next: 5 Players to target if the Lakers trade down
The rumor mill continues to churn as the days go by, with the only certainty being the Lakers making that 2nd pick Thursday night. Who the Lakers choose may not come as a surprise, but regardless, Laker fans will continue to hold their breath as the team continues the rebuilding process.