Lakers Rumors: Latest Buzz on Pursuit of Paul George, Carmelo Anthony and More
The Los Angeles Lakers have been riding an emotional high since selecting guard Lonzo Ball second in the 2017 NBA draft. What's better than picking up a potential young star to set up the offense for years to come? Well, Paul George returning to his home state and donning the purple and gold would blow the roof off the Staple Center in the team's first home game of the 2017-18 campaign.
However, what happens to the Lakers' chances of building a playoff contender if George decides to go elsewhere? The Boston Celtics remain in the mix to acquire the 27-year-old swingman, per The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Though George wants to become a Laker, it's foolish for team president Magic Johnson to count on him before executing a deal. What's the alternative plan if the four-time All-Star finds a home with a contender?
Pacers Not in Rush to Send Paul George to the Lakers
Despite talk about the Indiana Pacers and Lakers engaging in trade talks, Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler suggests the communication between the teams has cooled off:
Indiana likely wanted last year's No. 2 overall pick, Brandon Ingram, included in the deal, but Los Angeles has stated its reluctance to package the 19-year-old:
Magic will hold on to Ingram. He dealt another young asset in D'Angelo Russell, which restricts the Pacers' asking demands. Right now, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson would have to suffice as building blocks for a franchise preparing to deal its star player. In comparison to other offers, the Lakers may not have enough to pry George away from general manager Kevin Pritchard.
Paul George Recruiting Klay Thompson in Advance
Before George arrives in Los Angeles, he's recruiting players to join him in the near future. According to NBC Sports Bay Area analyst Kelenna Azubuike, via 95.7 The Game, the current Pacers player has reached out to Klay Thompson, who's a Los Angeles native, in hopes of bringing firepower with him to Los Angeles:
Like George, Thompson can contribute on both ends of the court. He's not just a scorer; he can also defend the opponent's prominent shooter, per ESPN Stats & Info:
A George-Thompson tandem, Ingram and Ball as the facilitator would place the Lakers in playoff conversations.
Of course, it's a dream lineup that's at least two years away if the three-time All-Star decides to flee Golden State. Nonetheless, it's a good sign to see early interest from George.
Cross Carmelo Anthony Off Lakers' Future Superteam List
Just in case the Lakers' longtime cross-conference rival in Boston acquires George and sways him to stay on the East Coast, Magic should have an alternative vision, which includes other impact veterans to join the high-potential talent on the roster.
The Lakers team president will likely have to overlook Carmelo Anthony in a plan B scenario, per New York Post reporter Marc Berman.
"According to a person familiar with Anthony’s thinking, Carmelo is no longer enamored with playing in Los Angeles if it means having to be away from his son for an extended period of time," Berman said.
After former New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson's in-season comments about Anthony, Lakers fans would likely prefer other options anyway. Unlike 27-year-old Thompson, who's a two-way player on the rise, Anthony's career heads in the opposite direction. He turned 33 years old in May and is no longer viewed as a lead option for a title contender.
Nonetheless, Anthony's fading interest in continuing his career in Los Angeles shouldn't cause Lakers fans to lose much sleep. There are far more attractive veteran assets to chase over the next two offseasons.
