Throughout the 2017-18 NBA season, Paul George and the Los Angeles Lakers have been consistently linked with each other with regards to free agency.
After the Oklahoma City Thunder had high hopes of winning a championship with George, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony, they fell short to the Utah Jazz in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Based on George’s desire to win during the prime years of his career, it is unclear what the future holds for him in Oklahoma City. According to Chris Haynes of ESPN, a person close to the situation said George electing to re-sign with the Thunder would not be surprising:
“They don’t want to hear this around this neck of the woods… Somebody recently close with Paul were telling me they wouldn’t be surprised if he re-signed.”
– @ChrisBHaynes on Paul George potentially coming to LA
— ESPNLosAngeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) May 11, 2018
Leading up to free agency, there will be conflicting reports about George’s decision. Just recently, the Lakers were still considered the favorites around the league to sign the five-time All-Star.
With an opportunity to potentially team up with LeBron James and play with a young core, George’s hometown team will be an attractive option.
For now, his focus is on getting back healthy after undergoing a successful left knee scope, which is expected to keep him out for six to eight weeks.
Fortunately for the 28-year-old, it will only limit his offseason workouts and not impact his upcoming free agency.