NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the Los Angeles Lakers
By Connor Learn
3. Do anything possible to acquire Paul George
Following another first round playoff exit, Paul George wouldn’t commit to a future with the Pacers. He has a player option for the 2018-19 season and can become a free agent following next season as a result. George, who has expressed his desire to play in LA for years, is heavily rumored to head to the Lakers. Magic Johnson may have openly committed tampering on Jimmy Kimmel when discussing the potential future of George with the Lakers this week.
If Indiana believes that George may leave in free agency, then he may be available via trade this summer. The Lakers have numerous young assets to offer in return and the cost of acquiring the 26-year-old will be lower headed into a contract season. Other teams, namely the Celtics, will compete in this trade, but Los Angeles may have an advantage if they believe he would extend his deal there. The idea of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird sitting down for trade discussions alone should make this appealing to NBA fans.
There is also a very likely chance that Indiana doesn’t make their franchise player available for trade. But if George doesn’t make an All-NBA team this season, then the Pacers advantages to re-signing him dwindle and Los Angeles could focus on clearing cap space for next summer. Keeping cap space clear shouldn’t be an issue for a team with most of their core under rookie deals. This may mean that the Lakers bring in players in one-year deals this summer to maintain maximum flexibility for 2018. The chance to land a superstar player outside of the draft is rare, and the Lakers should do whatever is possible to increase their chances.