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Los Angeles Lakers: Biggest competitors for Paul George

By Jason Reed

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - DECEMBER 25: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots against the Houston Rockets during the first half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on December 25, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - DECEMBER 25: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots against the Houston Rockets during the first half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on December 25, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have not been mentioned as a serious candidate for Paul George. Right now, the team has its hands full with the Golden State Warriors and will have its hands full with DeMarcus Cousins in the offseason.

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Thus, the idea of Paul George going to New Orleans has not been presented. However, a potential partnership including Anthony Davis and Paul George could lead to titles.

The Pelicans are obviously all-in on getting Anthony Davis a championship. New Orleans made the splash to acquire DeMarcus Cousins during the 2017 All-Star Break. Even after Cousins got hurt this season, the Pelicans continued adding pieces to make the playoffs.

The thing is, and the problem with Cousins, is that the Pelicans have been better without him. Jrue Holiday and Nikola Mirotic have both been key role players and the leash has been let off of Anthony Davis.

However, the team is still going to need to add something additional to compete with the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference. What the team needs is not another big man, they need a defensive-minded perimeter player that can help stretch the floor without taking Davis out of the inside.

George literally fits that bill to the tee.

Right now, the Pelicans do not have any cap space to bring in George. However, the team also has really expendable pieces that can make it possible. Mirotic is on an expiring deal after the 2018-2019 season and could be traded to a rebuilding team for virtually nothing.

That opens $12.5 million right there. The Pelicans can then try to package a young talent like Cheick Diallo or a draft pick to try to get rid of either Solomon Hill or Et’waun Moore.

Next: Lakers' trade targets not named Kawhi Leonard

It would take some work, but the Pelicans can conceivably make space for Paul George; which they should, considering that George and Davis would go together perfectly.

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