The Oklahoma City Thunder have done everything possible to sell Paul George on a future with the team after acquiring him from the Indiana Pacers last summer. That’s the word from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Despite this, the NBA insider indicates that the “Lakers are home. He (George) grew up in L.A., and when he left Indiana his plan was that he would be in L.A. in a year.”
These are among the tidbits offered by Wojnarowski on ESPN’s NBA Draft special (h/t The Oklahoman).
We already know about George’s flirtation with his hometown Lakers. That’s existed sine the All-Star was a member of the Pacers. It’s increased more in recent months with Los Angeles putting itself in prime position to land two max-contract free agents this summer.
Though, the biggest takeaway from Wojnarowski’s report is that George joining Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James in Southern California remains the “most intriguing scenario.”
By now it’s well known that James is not guaranteed to return to the Cavaliers. Some of his decision will be dictated by what happens in the ongoing NBA Finals with Cleveland down 2-0 against Golden State heading into Wednesday’s game.
Much like George, James has been directly linked to the Lakers in recent months. And according to Woj’s reports, the two will certainly have a conversation about potentially teaming up together in Hollywood.
As of now, James is looking to lead his Cavaliers to a second title in three years. Meanwhile, the Thunder are preparing to do everything possible to keep George in OKC.