Lakers rumors: All-NBA snub for Paul George is good news
By Keith Rivas
The latest Lakers rumors address why Paul George not making an all-NBA team matters.
While this might seem like bizarre news for Lakers fans to care about, it has major implications for their attempt at a superstar. Under Magic Johnson, their free agency aim seems solely directed at Paul George in 2018.
There are going to be other names that sign with Los Angeles, including their eventual second overall pick this year. But in the big scheme of things, the team and Paul George have an undeniable mutual interest.
Instead, the first team for the all-NBA recognition included James Harden, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Anthony Davis.
More from LA Sports Hub
- Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
- LA Chargers: Week 8 against Denver Broncos is a must-win
- LA Rams: Jared Goff wants to keep the Los Angeles title streak going
- Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Rajon Rondo
- LA Chargers: Justin Herbert wins AFC Rookie of the Month
What this means is that George will not be able to negotiate a max contract extension with the Pacers. The Lakers will likely be looking to lock him in for the long haul if they still have his attention next summer.
One of the major moves that could help sway that is their second overall pick in 2017. It’s the third consecutive year that the Lakers will draft second overall.
Previous picks of D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram have shown promise, but nothing has come full circle. There’s plenty to like of the young core in Los Angeles — and Paul George knows what he’s after.
Obviously, a championship is in the back of his mind — but also being happy while he plays has to be on his priority list. Plenty of issues, chemistry above all else, have come up between him and the team.
Even during their first round appearance versus Cleveland this post-season, George continually called out teammates without hesitation. It’s one thing to be heated, but what George is going through with Indiana seems to only point to an eventual break up.
And Los Angeles will be waiting there with open arms.