It is going to take more than hometown allure for Paul George to consider joining the Lakers.
Paul George‘s tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder may have ended earlier than many people believed it would. After the Thunder got ousted by the Utah Jazz in the first round, Los Angeles Lakers fans were happy campers. Due to the elimination of the Thunder, free agent rumors are already underway.
It is no secret that OKC small forward Paul George, who will be an unrestricted free agent in a couple months, has been lusted after by the Lakers. For quite some time now, the possibility of George to L.A. has been discussed by many members of the media.
The possibility appears to be even more likely at this juncture. A recent report suggested that George’s time with OKC is up due to their underwhelming playoff performance.
That being said, to say that all eyes are on Magic Johnson and Co. would be an understatement.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, the team has not done well in recent years when it comes to free agent pitches. It is because their free agent pitches have not been “built around basketball,” via Christian Rivas of SB Nation.
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Well, if there was any time to correct those errors, the time would be now. Among others, the Lakers are perhaps the frontrunners to acquire the services of George.
George, a Southern California native, surely cannot help but wonder what it would be like to play for his hometown. In his exit interview, PG-13 revealed that the appeal to play in familiar territory is strong. However, via Corey Hansford of Lakers Nation (courtesy of The Oklahoman), George asserted that playing for his hometown team would not be enough to entice him.
"“I would say almost everybody in this league would love to play at home. I won’t say that’s a lie. Everybody would love to play for their home in one way or the other. But that’s not the only option for why I want to go somewhere is because it’s home. Not at all.”"
George makes a fair point when bringing up his looming free agency. While Los Angeles is an attractive place, indeed, its bright lights only shine so brightly.
It is crucial to consider that the Lakers have the money to sign George. That is a definite plus already. Be that as it may, the Lakers’ front office will have to persuade George that they are on the verge of becoming a winning brand again.
While the Lakers certainly improved this season, they failed to make it to the postseason yet again. Consequently, guys like Magic will have to assure George that the Lakers’ losing ways are over.
The purple and gold have an extremely promising collection of young talent. This collection includes guys like Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart. Implementing this into a potential sales pitch would be paramount.
Granted George’s future is up in the air, it is clear that the Lakers’ chances of getting him are not too shabby. The organization has been keen on the notion of getting the 28-year-old for an extended stretch. At this stage, their interest may be at an all-time high.
Assuming L.A. can tell George there is more to the city than gorgeous beaches and great weather, the All-Star’s decision may very well have him going home.
It is worth noting George has not ruled out re-signing with the Thunder. The former Indiana Pacer respects how the Thunder are run, according to his exit interview comments.
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At the same time, his other comments denote uncertainty. The fact that he said he would not mind playing at home hints his days with the Thunder may be limited.