Lakers roundtable: Should Paul George still be a target after the playoffs?
By Jason Reed
Redan Lopez’ take:
Paul George’s average playoff performance should not discourage the Lakers from pursuing him in free agency. While he averaged 24.7 points and shot 40.8% from the field over six games against the Jazz in the first round, it is clear that he does not fit with a ball dominant Russell Westbrook. George constantly looked out of place on a team where isolation play is the primary way to score.
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I don’t blame George’s playoff performance on him, but more on the way the OKC system runs. It goes through Westbrook. The Lakers should go after George and sell him on the fact that he can pair with another superstar (think Lebron James, Kawhi Leonard) and play in a system that values ball movement.
The Lakers know that George is a much better player than what he showed in Oklahoma City’s short playoff run. He has a lot to offer. I am sure current President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson and General Manager Rob Pelinka know this.
He is a long, offensive-minded player that can beat others on the dribble. George also plays outstanding defense on the perimeter. At 28 years of age when next season starts, George is still in his prime for several more years.
The Lakers can lean on George (and possibly another superstar) to spearhead a return to the playoffs for Lakers. Bolstered by young, rising players Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, and Brandon Ingram, the team would then have the veteran star power mixed with a talented youth to be a factor in the West. George is at his best when the team focuses on ball movement to create offense. The Lakers can offer him that.
Going after George is a prime opportunity that should not and cannot be passed up. He is an immense talent that can provide a lot of value to a fast-rising Lakers squad. The Lakers need to go after him hard.