Report: Paul George Returning to OKC Would Be Big Blow to LeBron James to Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have been considered the front-runners to sign LeBron James this summer all offseason. But the direction Paul George decides to go during his own free agency could alter those plans.
According to Sam Amick of USA Today, "There is all sorts of optimism in Oklahoma City that George will re-sign. Conversely, there's pessimism in James' camp that George would leave Oklahoma City."
If George decides to give it another go with Russell Westbrook and the Thunder, "That would be widely considered a big blow to the Lakers' chances of landing James."
The dream summer for the Lakers has always been signing both James and George and swinging a trade for Kawhi Leonard, giving the team a devastating superstar trio.
But the Spurs aren't interested in trading Leonard to another team in the Western Conference, according to Amick, and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN added that the Spurs have absolutely no desire to move Leonard to the Lakers:
Still, the Lakers could build around a core of James, George, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball. Or, they could package some of the young talent to bring aboard a third veteran star. Maybe they could reunite James with Kevin Love, who grew up in California.
The Cavs would almost assuredly send over Love and eat Luol Deng's contract for the rights to Ingram, though the Lakers may not be willing to give up on such a promising young player for that price just yet. Still, a starting five of Ball, George, James, Kuzma and Love would be compelling.
And whether that particular deal would work or not, the point remains that the Lakers have the young assets to potentially add a third veteran star in a trade.
But everything hinges on George. If he doesn't leave OKC, is the Lakers' young core enticing enough to convince James to sign there and leave the Eastern Conference?
Probably not.
Perhaps he could convince Chris Paul to sign with the Lakers, though as Amick noted, "There remains a strong sense within Rockets circles that [Paul's] staying put."
James could also return to Cleveland, though the team isn't flush with elite trade assets to bring aboard more star power. B/R's Ken Berger reported the team is reportedly inquiring about Charlotte's Kemba Walker. Would Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson do the trick for Charlotte?
Perhaps, though it's unlikely a trio of James, Walker and Love is winning a title. Frankly, it's questionable if that unit would get past a healthy Boston Celtics.
Finally, James could consider the young Philadelphia 76ers, with burgeoning superstars in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons and a strong, young core around them. But it's fair to question if the Sixers are ready to compete with the Golden State Warriors next season, and there are also questions about the fit between Simmons and James, who both thrive with the ball in their hands.
So if George chooses Los Angeles, the decision may not be too difficult for James. But if he chooses Oklahoma City, the Summer of LeBron will be a whole lot more fascinating and unpredictable.
