Lakers rumors: Paul George verbally agrees to join Lakers in 2019
By Keith Rivas
The latest Lakers rumors answers their need for a superstar.
April Fools!
While it would be great to know that Paul George is for sure going to the Lakers, nothing is confirmed yet. He’s expressed plenty of interest in Los Angeles, but has yet to agree to anything.
George is a top name of his eventual free agency class, and him joining the Lakers would bring instant change. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka have shown they want what’s best for the franchise — that starts with star power.
While the Pacers remain in the playoff conversation, George has made it clear he’s not happy. Whether it’s with himself, his teammates, or the locker room atmosphere, he’s out of place.
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Los Angeles would welcome him with open arms during free agency. They were one of the teams rumored to be trying to make a deal for him this year.
But it was a good thing nothing panned out.
From those talks, the front office in Los Angeles showed some strength. More importantly, though, is the fact that they remained true to their young guys.
Other teams with trade bait such as recently drafted players would’ve probably made a move. One prime example was when DeMarcus Cousins went to New Orleans.
Instead of coming to the Lakers, Cousins was sent to the Pelicans because Los Angeles wouldn’t give up Brandon Ingram.
Since none of their young core was dealt, adding a superstar helps them in the big picture. It could be George, but there’s plenty of other names to consider.
Now that the tone has changed with switches in the front office and at head coach, the Lakers hope they can attract more free agents.
They’ll keep an eye on George until it’s the right time, but the intention is definitely there.