Los Angeles Lakers: 5 free agents to target this summer

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers shakes hands with LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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No. 2: Paul George

The flirtation between Paul George and the Los Angeles Lakers has gone on far too long for them not to link up this summer. The Lakers even got slapped on the wrist by the league for tampering with George while he was still a member of the Indiana Pacers.

The reason why he has wanted to be a Laker all along has been to return to his hometown and be the franchise guy. Now with LeBron James on the verge of coming to Los Angeles with him, the Lakers look a lot more enticing.

Even if LeBron does not end up with him, George would still be a solid fit to be the leader of the young core. He has been the best player on a team that went all the way to Eastern Conference finals in 2013 and he is still in the prime of his career at age 28.

If he does not end up in Los Angeles it will be because of his close friendship with his current teammate Russell Westbrook. Recent reports have suggested that Oklahoma City has better shot at getting him to come back, despite their first-round playoff exit.

Recently the Lakers’ pitch for Paul George was leaked to Sports Illustrated and it was mocked on social media for being cheesy. A fan has also up a ton of billboards recruiting George not too long ago, and hopefully, they will be more beneficial than the “Stay Dwight” billboards that ended up backfiring.

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