With rumors flying about a possible trade involving Paul George, here are three reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers should trade for him
Paul George to the Los Angeles Lakers has been rumored for the past week since he expressed his interest in signing with them next offseason on social media. The Lakers have all the leverage in this possible deal. They will likely acquire him via trade before the draft tomorrow night, or sign him as a free agent in the summer of 2018.
Sources: All-Star Paul George tells Pacers he plans to leave franchise in 2018 free agency, prefers Lakers. https://t.co/anP4bvbwir
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 18, 2017
Last year, George had arguably his best season in his seven-year NBA career with the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers went 42-40 in large part to his 23.7 points per game, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. With no supporting cast around him, the Pacers made the playoffs as the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference. George has shown he can lead a team to the playoffs with mediocre players around him. Pacers have been reluctant to go out and acquire star players to pair with him.
George, now 27, is originally from Palmdale, California and attended Fresno State during his college days. Going home to the Lakers makes a lot of sense as he will pursue a max contract next season with his hometown Lakers. With the addition of PG13, the Lakers will improve their win total significantly from last season while the rebuild continues and their young core of Ingram, Ball (if drafted), Zubac, and Nance Jr. will all improve due to the floor spacing created by George.
LA should only give up Clarkson, or Randle along with both the 27th and the 28th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft this year. The Indiana Pacers have everything to lose in this situation as George will walk next offseason regardless. So, the Pacers can either get something in return now along with draft picks or watch Paul walk with nothing in return in the summer of 2018.
The Los Angeles Lakers should make this move on draft night for three main reasons. George will provide excellent defensive production which the Lakers lack, he will be an elite scorer, and will continue to help this Lakers team mature and get closer to playoff contention.