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Lakers Rumors: C.J. McCollum believes Paul George signs in Los Angeles

By Nick Ziegler

NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 19: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after scoring a three pointer during Game 3 of the Western Conference playoffs against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on April 19, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 19: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after scoring a three pointer during Game 3 of the Western Conference playoffs against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on April 19, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Recent Lakers rumors have been about what could be a franchise-changing offseason. Recently, C.J. McCollum hinted that Paul George will be signing with Los Angeles.

As the NBA Draft and NBA Free Agency approaches, there have been plenty of Lakers rumors. With the NBA Combine underway, a lot of the talk has been about who the Lakers will be targetting with the 25th overall pick. However, the big question is whether or not they will be able to sign a marquee free agent this offseason.

One of the players that the Lakers will surely be pursuing is Paul George. The Lakers tried to trade for George in the offseason last year when it became known that he would like to play for the Lakers. Now, they will have a chance to sign him as a free agent this offseason.

Recently, Portland Trail Blazers guard, C.J. McCollum talked about trying to recruit George to Portland on the “Woj Pod” hosted by the great Adrian Wojnarowski. Here’s what McCollum had to say about his pitch to George, and also where he believes he’s going to land with text via LakersNation.com.

"“I already tried to get Paul George once. He already turned us down once. I mean you can only shoot your shot so many times in the DMs before you give up. He left me on read receipt, but nah, he’s a cool dude. He’s got to do what’s best for his family. He couldn’t control where he went. He ended up getting traded anyway to OKC, so I wish him nothing but the best and I’m sure he’ll enjoy that California sunshine next season.”"

McCollum saying that George will enjoy the California sun is certainly an indication that he believes George will be signing with either the Lakers or the Clippers. For George, coming to Los Angeles would be a homecoming, and being with family and having your family happy is an underrated part of what happens in free agency.

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With the appeal of being home and the Lakers becoming a better team with their strong young core, the sales pitch to George should be a successful one. With a chance to be a good team in the Western Conference and be close to home, the Lakers make a lot of sense for George this offseason. When free agency rolls around, we will have to see if McCollum had the crystal ball and was right about George.

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