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It turns out Paul George is really, really, really set on becoming a Laker. Sunday’s news sent NBA, and Lakers, Twitter into a tailspin as George informed the Pacers he would be leaving after next season and prefers a move to L.A.
The news brought the Lakers Outsiders staff together for another Slackchat where we discussed whether the team should deal for George and what we’d be comfortable giving up for him, among other things.
Jacob Rude
PG is dead set on being on Laker. That we know. But if you’re the Lakers, do you trade for him now?
Dillon Hiser
I think they should certainly give Indiana a call, but if their price is too steep, like Randle/Russell/Ingram/2nd pick then hang up immediately and let him come in 2018.
Grant Goldberg
They should do all they can to wait till next summer, but keeping an open line of communication with Indiana can’t hurt.
Honi Ahmadian
Right, you have to stay open to the idea of trading for him. As much noise as there’s been about him wanting to come to the Lakers, you’re still a 26-win team with unproven young players. Leaving it up to chance might mean he finds a better situation elsewhere and all the hell-bent talk goes out the window
Rude
My thought is, at this point, too many people have reported the same thing for it not to be true. I just don’t think, if you’re the Lakers, you need to make a move unless it’s a low, low offer that you coming out very clear winners on. Sit back, keep the assets and let him come in 2018
Hiser
What would be an offer that the Lakers should consider giving up to get him given they have essentially all the leverage at this point?
Goldberg
The most I’d give right now is Clarkson/#28/future first. No more than that, though.
Rude
I wouldn’t even attach the future first, to be honest
Drew Hernandez
Despite having a lot of leverage I’d consider giving up Julius Randle. He’s good enough to warrant Indiana trading George for him and it solves the issue of deciding what contract to give him when he’s a restricted feee agent
Rude
You’re fired
Ahmadian
Drew is indeed fired. I think Randle and Russell are effectively off limits. They have the same agent as Paul George and considering all the talk of his camp having told the Lakers not to trade assets away, I don’t think they’d be happy with either of those two getting sent to Indy
As for what I would trade: Not Russell. Not Randle. Not Ingram. Everything else is on the table in my eyes, including the #2 pick if it comes to it
Hiser
I do think that if the Pacers want Clarkson they should look to make a deal, that alleviates some of the cap hit they take in acquiring PG. With that said, I would do something like JC/Nance/28 at most. And I think that would benefit the Lakers some with the logjam at the 4.
Ahmadian
That’s a great deal for LA. I’d take it in a heartbeat. Might have to add another first round pick (either this year or in the future) for Indy to do it.
Rude
I’m just not open to trading that much for a guy who has been adamant and has told multiple national reporters that he wants to be a Laker
Hernandez
I think adding LA’s 2020 first rounder would make any deal between the two teams go smoothly. It won’t be a high pick, but will still be a good add
Ahmadian
Famous last words: “It won’t be a high pick.”
Rude
DLo + Lonzo + PG + LeBron + Ivica in 2020? It’ll be the 30th pick
Ahmadian
wow LeBron leaving cleveland to team up with the best player he’s ever played with? Ivica is worth it for sure
Hiser
You know, we haven’t even talked about the best part of trading for Paul George right now…that Celtics pick would be way worse next year!
Hernandez
Potentially messing with the Celtic’s plans would bring me a lot of joy
Rude
Should this PG news change the Lakers’ mindset at all with the second pick in regards to who they take?
Hernandez
I think it is worth looking into, but any consensus top 3 pick would fit well with a PG led team
Rude
To me, I don’t think it -should- change their minds, but I think it makes the idea of drafting Jackson much more intriguing
Having three wing players you can rotate is a huge luxury
Hiser
Yeah I would agree with that last part, but I don’t think they should plan for a player that is possibly a year away from being on your team.
Goldberg
I think the addition of Ball would better clarify the players’ roles and give them a bit better sense of direction.
Having a player like Ball can help showcase your other young players, further convincing Paul George and whomever else that these kids are either, a) worth playing with or b) can net a solid return
Ahmadian
I tend to agree with Jacob. Having three potentially primary ball handlers in Russell, Ball, and George might be a little tough to handle. Having multiple playmakers is good but there’s a payoff with how it affects the hierarchy of the team. I’m making he assumption of George being added via trade, by the way. If they don’t trade for him, then no it shouldn’t change the mindset at all.
Hernandez
PG previously did not like playing at PF, so adding Jackson very well might move PG to that position. It’s not the biggest concern, but he might prefer Ball as to create a better chance of him staying at SF
Rude
PG would only have to play PF for one year before LeBron joined
Hiser
Guys, what about Luol Deng?
Hernandez
Who?
Goldberg
Next question.
Ahmadian
Deng, we almost made it through the chat without remembering the contracts
Goldberg
Mozgive yourselves a pat on the back
Hiser
You know who is a good wing the Lakers could add if they don’t draft Josh Jackson?
Ahmadian
Buffalo?
Hernandez
KD?
Hiser
Downtown Anthony Brown
Goldberg
Not Anthony Brown
Rude
We’re done here. You’re fired.
