SF-PF – Paul George
Whether or not the Lakers can pull off a trade for the perennial all-star is yet to be seen, but they have the draft picks and young talent to do so. Also, not yet determined is whether George will want to play the 3 or 4 position for this Lakers team. With the up tempo game style taking over the NBA I think George would be a perfect fit to play either small forward or power forward when needed.
Lakers have a clear advantage in acquiring George based on the fact he has said he would prefer signing with Lakers next offseason. With cap space being cleared in the Russell, Mozgov trade they are gearing up in order to offer him a max contract next season. Playing Deng to increase his value will be crucial, so they can shed that contract as well to make room for more cap space.
Sources: Paul George wanted to spare the Pacers any confusion about his intentions. @WojVerticalNBA report. https://t.co/absi8bDZJv pic.twitter.com/Ut5yw8PcL3
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) June 18, 2017
George, standing 6’9″ and 220 pounds is a gifted athlete. Over George’s first seven seasons in the NBA he’s averaged 18.1 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.3 assists. This past season with the Indiana Pacers was his best yet averaging almost 24 points a game while helping his team defensively as well with 6.6 rebounds. George has been a 4x All-Star, 3x All-NBA team member, and a 3x All Defensive team member. PG13 can score the ball with ease and has the ability to be a shutdown defender which is what the Lakers desperately need.
With the Pacers unwillingness to put star players around him, George has made it clear he wants to move on. Is the 27th, 28th pick along with Clarkson or Randle enough to make him a Laker? Lakers fans will be glued to their TV’s come Thursday night to find out.