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Lakers Rumors: Paul George, DeMar DeRozan top list of players drawing interest from Lakers

By Keith Rivas

May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) embraces Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) after the Raptors 89-84 win in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) embraces Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) after the Raptors 89-84 win in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kevin Durant

Dec 23, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Unlike Russell Westbrook’s situation with the Thunder, Oklahoma City showed us last season that they were able to survive without a healthy Durant.

Although not a serious contender without him, Westbrook’s efforts were able to make things interesting in the Western Conference.

The pull for Durant was tied largely with who the Lakers were going to tag as their next head coach, with one of the options being Scott Brooks (now with Washington) and Kevin Ollie (still with UConn) — but those plans fell flat.

Magic Johnson also expressed to the Lakers that Kevin Durant was one of the must-sign players in the off-season, but even with his support there is only so much it can do.

Without the coach to draw Durant right away, the Lakers’ time is best spent elsewhere.

Next: Closing Thoughts

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