Lakers Rumors: Paul George’s latest comments may cast doubt for Lakers
By Jason Reed
Paul George has been the most polarizing topic within the Lakers rumors sphere. However, his latest comments may cast some doubts on him joining Los Angeles.
Paul George is not only one of the biggest superstars the NBA has to offer, he has also been the central focus of all the latest Lakers rumors. Growing up just outside of LA, George idolized the Lakers and apparently has made it clear that he wants to join the team in free agency. However, George’s recent interview with Sports Illustrated says otherwise.
Despite being the topic of immense speculation and being involved in a ground shifting trade, George has remained relatively quiet. Fans had no real idea how he felt about his new home in OKC, his thoughts on the Lakers and so on. In this interview conducted by Lee Jenkins, we get just that.
First off, George seems thrilled to be joining a great system in OKC. Both Kevin Durant and Reggie Jackson, former members of the Thunder, praised the professionalism and the system that the Thunder have intact.
George also briefly mentioned his motives behind wanting to part ways with Indiana. Feeling a rebuild coming, George knew that his pursuit of a ring needed to happen elsewhere; with George informing the team of his intentions that way they could attempt to at least get something out of him via trade.
However, it was his comments about the Los Angeles Lakers that may be the heaviest. For what seems like forever, George has been tied to his hometown Lakers and seems like a shoe-in to suit up in the Staples Center in purple and gold. This interview only casts doubt over that fantasy.
"“I idolized Kobe. There will always be a tie here, a connection here. People saying I want to come here, who doesn’t want to play for their hometown? That’s a dream come true, if you’re a kid growing up on the outskirts of L.A., to be the man in your city. But it’s definitely been overstated. For me, it’s all about winning,” George said. “It’s too early for L.A. It would have to be a situation where the ball gets rolling and guys are hopping on. This guy commits, that guy commits. ‘Oh s—, now there’s a team forming.’ It has to be like that.”"
The guy that is consistently tied to the Los Angeles Lakers, the one that is supposed to be their saving grace, may only join the team if superstars are around him.
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This is a reasonable expectation for George, especially in today’s NBA. His career won’t last forever and if he wants that ring he needs to form something in LA, not be the sole contributor.
Lucky for the Lakers they may have what George needs. Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram have the potential to be superstars, with Julius Randle being a solid contributor. Just with Ball and Ingram alone, if one can reach full potential, that is huge bait for the Lakers.
Plus, so many superstars have been tied up in Lakers rumors that we could see this dynasty form. LeBron James, Klay Thompson and DeMarcus Cousins have all been tied to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Before this interview even went public we put together a list of stars that the Lakers could bring in to supplement Paul George. George is a star, but he is no LeBron, he needs help around him.
Next: Brandon Ingram will become a star next season
The Lakers better find that help before George gets too comfortable in Oklahoma City with Russell Westbrook. Only time will tell if these Lakers rumors come to fruition, and if they don’t, the direction of the franchise may be up in the air.