LA Lakers Rumors: Team Reportedly Making a 'Big Run' At Paul George
The Los Angeles Lakers has a lot of house cleaning and restructuring to do as the team tries to bury its 17-65 record this season, the worst record season to date in the franchise's history. In its attempt to restore its former glory, it plans to do some serious shopping this offseason with some interesting names appearing on its talent radar.
With its massive salary cap, Lakers will surely splurge on this summer's free agency market in a bid to assemble not just a decent lineup but also a highly capable one. While it is committed to build up its current roster of young talents, the purple and gold team also wishes to bring in a couple of stars to rid themselves of the losing streak in the past two seasons. One player that the team is keen on acquiring this summer is Indiana Pacers forward Paul George according to a Lakers Nation update.
An NBA insider scoop from Bill Simmons suggests that Lakers is reportedly offering Indy Pacers with high lottery pick at the draft in return for the player. Lakers is not the only team making a run for George. Boston Celtics is apparently trying to entice Indiana with draft picks deal but Lakers' offer seems more a little more interesting than Celtics'.
But a first-round pick package including D'Angelo Russell may definitely get the conversation started but getting a deal done is another matter altogether as per Larry Brown Sports report.
"Nabbing a premium player like Paul George would make an immediate impact, but whether the Pacers would have any interest in moving their franchise cornerstone who's under contract through 2019 (player option) is questionable," wrote Drew Garrison of SB Nation.
"That's where the 'other' pieces bit comes in, and the Lakers do have attractive options to serve on a platter. Julius Randle, D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson could all be desirable targets for Indiana to package with a top pick and Myles Turner..."
In the end, however, Pacers will not probably not let go one of its prized asset who is bouncing back quite well after missing most of the 2014-15 games following an injury. His contract with Indiana lasts through 2018-19.
