Lakers Rumors: Ranking the best targets during the 2019 offseason

2. Paul George

Quite frankly, I could have went either way with Paul George and Jimmy Butler. I believe that Butler and George are on the same level and the Lakers couldn’t go wrong with either guy. Because of the constant rumors around George eventually coming to the Los Angeles Lakers, I notched him one spot higher than Butler.

Many optimistic were expecting George to opt out of his contract after this season and join the Los Angeles Lakers in a sweet homecoming. However, George really has no incentive to do that unless another superstar comes along with him. As evident by the Lakers’ inactivity, it does not seem like the team can free the cap space for two stars.

However, 2019 is much more of a possibility. Carmelo Anthony will be a free agent, and at that point, will likely be on the same level as Dwayne Wade is now. Although playing alongside Russell Westbrook is promising, two years of not beating the Warriors and Rocket s may split the duo apart; just look at Lob City.

Thus, the 2019 summer looks like a realistic time for George to become a Laker. It gives his hometown team more time to free up the likes of Jordan Clarkson and find a way to manage Luol Deng’s contract. Then, George can throw a pitch to Klay Thompson, which reportedly already happened, to form a new super team in LA.

Then, the Lakers have a starting five of Lonzo Ball, Thompson, Brandon Ingram, George and whoever the center is (let’s assume Ivica Zubac). That is a championship team.