Lakers Rumors: Latest Intel on Potential Paul George Trade Before Free Agency

With hours remaining until the start of free agency at 12:01 a.m. ET Saturday, buzz is continuing to circle the NBA's rumor mill about where Indiana Pacers swingman Paul George could land in a trade. 

Those murmurs continued to gain steam after USA Today's Sam Amick published a report Wednesday detailing George's thought process behind a potential deal. 

According to Amick, George remains "hellbent" on joining the Lakers, but he would be amenable to signing a long-term contract with a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs or Boston Celtics if he winds up with one of those clubs through a trade in the offseason. Amick wrote:

"If the Cavs can convince [Pacers president Kevin] Pritchard to either take on four-time All-Star forward Kevin Love or send him to a third team in exchange for more suitable assets, then George will play his heart out alongside LeBron James and remain open to the idea of re-signing next summer if James were also to return. Or, perhaps, George could leave for Los Angeles with James at his side."

That news could apply some pressure on the Lakers, who have yet to present the Pacers with a package that's to their liking. 

Prior to the NBA draft, ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported the Lakers submitted a proposal that would have shipped pick Nos. 27 and 28 along with either Julius Randle or Jordan Clarkson to the Pacers in exchange for George. 

But with the Pacers looking for a stronger return, they decided to stand pat. 

And according to the Indianapolis Star's Nate Taylor, the Pacers may continue to hold onto George as they seek a package replete with more valuable assets. 

According to Taylor, "the All-Star's value throughout the league, especially with his known desire to join the Lakers, is limited since he's likely to only spend one season with his new team," which means the Pacers could reportedly field offers "throughout the summer, and potentially into training camp, to complete a deal."

On the free-agency front, Clarkson made noise (h/t Silver Screen and Roll) when he tweeted and then deleted a message to J.J. Redick saying "come across the street bro" in what was viewed as a recruiting effort to land the former Los Angeles Clippers sharpshooter with the Lakers after Saturday. 

Redick would be a natural fit with the Purple and Gold, namely because they need to add reliable long-range shooters, as general manager Rob Pelinka previously stated, per Lakers Nation's Serena Winters: 

Last season, the Lakers shot 34.6 percent from deep as a team, a mark that ranked 22nd overall. Their 730 made triples also ranked a below-average 19th. 

Should the Lakers pursue Redick, they figure to have stiff competition from a couple other clubs. 

Citing league sources, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor reported the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets—two teams with plenty of cap space—are expected to make a "hard push" after Redick. 

In other words, Redick will be entering a friendly marketplace and should have the ability to cash out in a big way before he enters his mid-30s.