Los Angeles Lakers: All-Star Paul George admits he is anxious about looming free agency
Paul George’s recent thoughts regarding free agency suggest a whole lot of uncertainty.
All season long the Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to some of the league’s biggest names. This coming summer marquee talents such as LeBron James and Paul George will hit the open market. Amid others, the Lakers have consistently been rumored to be in the hunt for both players.
James will be tougher to convince since he likely wants to be with a true contender. However, George is a much more realistic option for the Lakers.
Geographically, George makes sense for L.A. since he grew up near the area. Thus, there would already be a certain degree of comfort if PG-13 signs with the Lakers.
George also appears to be a more practical option because the Thunder are no longer in the playoffs. OKC’s expectations were far bigger than a first-round exit. As a result, George may be extremely tempted to join a different squad.
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However, nothing at this point is certain. Not too long back, George commended triple-double machine, Russell Westbrook, saying that Westbrook is one of his best teammates ever.
That factor may not be a good one for Los Angeles. Westbrook is a bona fide stud who was the NBA’s MVP last year. The Lakers, needless to say, do not have such a talent on their roster.
While George clearly appreciates Westbrook, recent comments from the former suggest he is not a lock to stay in Oklahoma City. According to Matthew Moreno of Lakers Nation (originally via The Oklahoman), George is feeling uneasy about this coming summer.
"“Nervous. I’m not really sure what to expect. I’m not even at that point yet.”"
The sheer fact that he is “not really sure” is thought-provoking. Certainly, it insinuates that the 5-time All-Star will be careful in the decision-making process.
That being said, it is not a stretch to say he could join Los Angeles in free agency. His comments are very non-committal in nature, hence the “nervous” part of the equation.
At the same time, it does not mean the Lakers are guaranteed to gain George’s services. OKC, for one, is closer to title contention than Los Angeles. Additionally, the Thunder can give George more money than any other team.
Nevertheless, an element such as the Lakers’ young core is worth bearing in mind. Granted L.A. cannot offer as much money as OKC, they have a good deal of cap space as well.
Of course, when the thought of going back home comes into play, too, George’s anxiousness is beyond understandable.
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Therefore, while nothing is guaranteed, Paul George to Los Angeles is not implausible. It could definitely come to fruition.