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Lakers Rumors: Five-step offseason checklist to win in 2018

By Jason Reed

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 26: Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers watches as his team takes on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 26, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Lakers defeated the Bulls 108-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 26: Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers watches as his team takes on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 26, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Lakers defeated the Bulls 108-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) – Lakers Rumors
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) – Lakers Rumors /

4. Sign Paul George — and only Paul George — sorry, LeBron

Paul George has been the guy in all of the Lakers rumors dating back to last year. Before the Indiana Pacers traded George to the Oklahoma City Thunder (which ended up being a great trade for the Pacers) the Lakers were a rumored candidate for the all-star forward.

Nearly one year later and George is on a superstar-filled Thunder team that is the seventh-seed in the Western Conference. While the team does have a chance to make a deep playoff run if they get hot, the Thunder have not necessarily given George the best results alongside fellow stars.

Because of that, George may realize that he cannot play with Russell Westbrook and may opt out of his contract. Of course, this is all speculation and the two seem to have a great relationship, but it is possible. Every guy seems to get better after leaving Westbrook (James Harden, Victor Oladipo) and George could add to that list.

However, the option still remains that George may not opt out of his deal and may instead stick with the Thunder, giving it one more go before becoming a free agent next offseason. In that case, the Lakers should wait until 2019 — something that has already been considered — to sign a star.

That is why the headline of this step is to sign George and only George. While the Lakers will need to add other pieces to the mix, if they are going the superstar route, Paul George should be the only one pursued; at least this summer.

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