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Los Angeles Lakers: The pettiness from the Pacers is laughable

By Jason Reed

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 23: Head coach Nate McMillan of the Indiana Pacers reacts in the first half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 23, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers 106-102 to sweep the series 4-0. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 23: Head coach Nate McMillan of the Indiana Pacers reacts in the first half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 23, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers 106-102 to sweep the series 4-0. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers are currently being investigated by the NBA for tampering with Paul George. Although serious, this only showcases the pettiness from the Indiana Pacers.

Tampering is serious business and should the Los Angeles Lakers be found guilty, they could serve a serious punishment. Indiana Pacers’ owner Herbert Simon requested that the NBA launch an investigation on the Lakers for possible communication between Paul George and Magic Johnson. The now Thunder player has shown interest in the city of Angels for some time now.

This tampering case is even more concrete considering that Johnson himself has made not so subtle hints and the desire for George. This dual interest from both parties could have sparked red flags for other organizations. A possible ripple effect of this allegedly tampering is that the trade market for George significantly diminishes. Although just speculation, after seeing what the Thunder paid for him, it’s more than a reality.

However, in the midst of this serious investigation that can hinder the Lakers, the pettiness of the Indiana Pacers only continues to grow. Despite being one of the worst franchises in the last five seasons, the Lakers hold a giant target on their backs. With relevancy again on their side, small market teams are beginning to take aim at LA. I mean, we all saw the vetoed Chris Paul trade years ago.

Apparently, fellow small market teams are actually cheering on the Pacers for taking a stand. Of course, these are the same small market teams that likely conduct some form of tampering, as NBA reps in the past have explained that every team tampers in some way shape or form.

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No longer is this a fight for justice, it merely seems like a freshman standing up to a high school senior. This is totally fine if the Pacers do want justice, but it seems like this is only happening because they are the Lakers.

I mean, go back to June when George was dealt. The Pacers took a terrible offer for George, bringing in Domantas Sabonis and Victor Oladipo (who has one of the worst contracts in the NBA). Perhaps George’s interest in the Lakers did drive down his trade value.

However, the Lakers were reportedly offering a package consisting of Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson. This is a far better deal than the deal the Pacers got. They would get the same two positions, with Clarkson as good as Oladipo and Randle better than Sabonis. Plus, there are no awful contracts!

The Pacers didn’t bite, though. Why? Because they reportedly did not want to give George what he wanted by sending him to Los Angeles without significantly “winning” the trade. Petty. 

Next: Julius Randle will never get traded - here's why

All in all, for some reason or another, the Indiana Pacers seem to have a strong disliking for the Los Angeles Lakers. At the end of the day though, if the Los Angeles Lakers are found innocent, the Pacers will look extremely foolish for being so petty.

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