NBA Rumors: Paul George focused on legacy, improving Lakers

Paul George is reportedly more interested in his legacy than money and believes making the Lakers competitive again can add to it.

According to Sam Amick of USA Today, Paul George wants to join the team that his idol, Kobe Bryant, led for years. George grew up in Palmdale, California, which is just 65 miles from the Lakers.

A move to Los Angeles for George has been rumored for a couple of years, but the chances seem higher than ever.

Amick reported in February that George was “hell bent” on joining the Lakers.

These thoughts from Paul George come following the unexpected news that he didn’t make any of the All-NBA teams. This may not seem vital, but it means he can’t sign a super max extension during the offseason worth $207 million over five years.

If he would have made the All-NBA team, the four-time All-Star probably would have been given the mega contract. If so, he would have stayed with the Pacers and delayed his move to the Lakers.

The snub comes after a career season for George. He averaged a career high 23.7 points per game and shot a career high 46.1 percent from the field. This performance leads George to believe he can lead the Lakers back to the playoffs.

In 2016-17, the Lakers won just 26 games, the second worst in the Western Conference. Not only could George add to the Lakers competitively, he is also a marketable figure. The young Lakers are without such a player.

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George, 27, will enter the final year of his contract next season before he can opt out next summer. per Spotrac. The only way for the Lakers to get George, at the moment, is through a trade.

The Lakers front office, led by general manager Rob Pelinka, need to weigh a blockbuster trade for George. Their only other option is to wait patiently.