The Lakers have visions of returning to the glory days and Paul George wants in.
The Pacers All-Star forward, whose name emerged in a handful of failed trade proposals Wednesday before the 3 p.m. deadline, is determined to move to Los Angeles if the Pacers remain outside of championship contention, according to USA Today.
The Lakers were one of at least three teams to strike out on acquiring George on Wednesday before the trade deadline.
The Nuggets reportedly made a “monster” offer to the Pacers that fell through in part because George was not interested in a long-term commitment to Denver. The Celtics extended the most appealing package of the afternoon. Boston reportedly offered at least one and maybe both of the Nets’ coveted first-round picks in 2017 and 2018 in addition to other players for George, but the Pacers didn’t bite.
George, who is in the third year of a five-year, $91 million contract he signed before the 2014 season, can opt-out after next season.
With Magic Johnson now calling the shots for the Lakers, after president Jeanie Buss cleared house Tuesday by firing general manager Mitch Kupchak and promoting the former Laker to president of basketball operations in place of her brother Jim, Los Angeles should like their chances of acquiring George: Johnson can always give his old rival and friend, Pacers president Larry Bird, a call.