It’s Magic Johnson’s show in Los Angeles and he’s telling everyone who in charge. Earlier on Tuesday, reports surfaced that the Lakers had indeed traded former No. 2 overall pick D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets for Brook Lopez and a first-round pick (more on that here).
Johnson and his new front office are now apparently working on another trade with specifics coming out. Already reportedly involved in discussions with the Indiana Pacers for Paul George, the Lakers have apparently offered two first-round picks (27th and 28th overall) as well as either Jordan Clarkson or Julius Randle to the Pacers in exchange for the All-Star forward.
Just heard @Lakers offered @Pacers either Jordan Clarkson or Julius Randle and 27, 28 pick for Paul George.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 20, 2017
It remains to be seen if this is the type of haul that would pry George away from Indiana. The team has been hesitant to trade him to the Lakers for anything less than the second pick. That could have changed with George himself telling the Pacers that he plans to move on — most likely to Los Angeles — in free agency following the 2017-18 season.
Los Angeles cleared up $50-plus million in future cap room by trading Mozgov and bringing back Lopez’s expiring deal. It has the capability to sign George long term should a trade come to fruition.
For now, Russell will likely be replaced at point guard by Lonzo Ball. After that, it’s anyone’s guess as to what Johnson might do. But he’s surely active on the trade block heading into Thursday’s draft.