Paul George is a step closer to the Los Angeles Lakers. Sources have told The Vertical that Paul George let the Indiana Pacers know that he will become a free agent next summer and leave the franchise, and that the Lakers are his preferred destination. It seems like the Lakers will be back in business sooner than later. That said, should they make a move for George this summer or should they wait?
Paul George is honest with the Pacers
Paul George's desire to play for the Los Angeles Lakers has been an open secret for a while now. Today, it has become more than a rumor and closer to reality.
Here is Adrian Wojnarowski's tweet:
Sources: All-Star Paul George tells Pacers he plans to leave franchise in 2018 free agency, prefers Lakers. https://t.co/anP4bvbwir
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 18, 2017
The Lakers must have been ecstatic when they read the report. The long-awaited dream of acquiring a superstar may finally become a reality. magic johnson jumped on board with the hope of returning the franchise to former glory, releasing a tweet 23 minutes later that said:
God is so good!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 18, 2017
Was Magic referring to the report about Paul George? He added a tweet a few minutes later to wish all fathers a happy father's day. In doing that, he was probably trying to mask the excitement after reading about George's future.
His sentiment is that of all true Laker fans out there, so his reaction makes sense.
Lakers need to be patient
The Lakers have the upper hand. They do not need to rush any decision. They know that George wants be a Laker, so it is only a question of when it will happen. The Lakers do not need to dismantle their young roster in order to offer the Pacers promising players.
ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne reported that the Lakers are currently unwilling to trade their young corps for George.
The Lakers will face the risk of letting the Pacers trade George to another NBA team before his contract is up, but if George truly wants to be a Laker he will wait for the Lakers next summer, no matter where he ends up playing next season.
The Pacers are left in a difficult spot. They want to get something in return for a proven superstar, but most teams will not be willing to trade for him knowing that George's eyes are set on 2018 free agency and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Paul George will put the Lakers on the map again. One can imagine him sharing the floor with the likes of Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, Lonzo Ball, and maybe even D'Angelo Russell. The Lakers will surely need to add more veteran firepower in order to make real noise once again in the Western Conference. A powerful big man and a defensive specialist will be on Magic's shortlist. A bit more patience will also be key in order to let the young players develop, or to find the right trade opportunity to improve the team. Fasten your seat belts, Laker Nation.
