Acquiring Paul George is a goal that many teams have in mind but he may be classified as a double-edged sword. With the desire to be a Laker looming in his mind, Paul George’s camp has made it apparent that he will be nothing more than a rental. Can you weigh your assets and draft picks against a one-year rental of a star on a set of scales? Can he be swayed to sign long-term with a contender? Can his addition put any team on par with Golden State after losing necessary pieces in order to acquire him? Many questions still linger and will remain unanswered for the time being.
The Lakers are playing it out safe. They want to know the best offer the Pacers receive, so they’re prepared to make a counteroffer. The Lakers front office has their doubts about how playing for a serious contender won’t lead his mind astray from wanting to wear purple and gold.
The Lakers have made it clear that Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball are off the table. That being said, they could still manifest a serious offer with their remaining assets (Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, their recent draftees Josh Hart and Kyle Kuzma, plus future picks).
One general manager spoke about the Paul George and Lakers’ anticlimax:
“That’s what has to worry you most. If LA is not getting involved at all, then you have to ask why. Why wouldn’t they make an offer? They did at the draft, so what changed? That is when you worry that maybe all this talk is a smokescreen and Paul George has not really changed his mind about LA.”
