Paul George trade actually helps Lakers more with him in OKC

The shocking Paul George trade isn’t the end of the world for the Lakers.

After considering several offers, the Pacers made a Paul George trade. Instead of sending him to Los Angeles, they shipped him off to Oklahoma City.

Now Russell Westbrook won’t be alone and have to carry the Thunder on his own. Following Kevin Durant’s departure last summer, Westbrook went on a historic triple double tear. His hard work resulted in an MVP award.

Some might think that this was a blown chance by the Lakers. The argument there is that George could lose interest by having that one season away from Indiana but not in LA.

More from LA Sports Hub

However, the Thunder present the perfect problem to everyone else that even the Pacers couldn’t. With his new situation, George has an opportunity to see how he and Westbrook play together.

Should they play well, of course Oklahoma City will try to get them both back. George becomes a free agent next summer, and has been determined, it seems, to wind up with the Lakers. In the same breath, he’s made it clear he wants to contend, not just play there.

What that means for the young core is that they’ll have to step up, but what about outside help? If George likes the combination that he and Westbrook create, they could both end up taking their talents to Los Angeles.

Westbrook has roots there, and he went to UCLA for college. He’ll be a free agent two summers from now, giving him one more year with the team that drafted him after Paul George decides where he’ll be next.

At that time, the Lakers will also have a real shot at LeBron James. Other guys like Klay Thompson have also been in the rumor mill, but none are more determined to come than George.

Next: 15 Free Agent Options For Lakers

And that could be bad news for OKC down the road.

Home/Los Angeles Lakers