The 16-time NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers have a large and loyal fanbase. Among the many fans of the purple and gold include a number of celebrities like Jack Nicholson, Andy Garcia, Denzel Washington, and Flea and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Along with these Hollywood A-listers and famous musicians include athletes from the NFL like quarterback Derek Carr of the Oakland Raiders.
Carr, who grew up a diehard Lakers and Kobe Bryant fan in Bakersfield, took to Twitter on Wednesday after seeing all the rumors about Paul George potentially coming to Los Angeles before the NBA trade deadline. Carr couldn’t help his excitement asking whether fellow Californian George would soon be wearing a Lakers jersey.
Is big bro PG about to be a Laker ???? :))))))
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) February 22, 2017
The two-time Pro Bowler has become a household name after becoming a star over the past two seasons in Oakland. Although the Golden State Warriors are the cream of the crop in the Western Conference right now, Carr has held allegiance to the Lakers and even drops the “Mamba mentality” mantra in press conferences when talking about his mindset when he’s under center for the Raiders.
George, however, has been linked to the Lakers on more than one occasion with his California roots and his admiration for Kobe driving most of the rumors in the past. This time around it appears talks of George potentially ending up with the Lakers in the near future could be legitimate if the Pacers can sign him to a long-term extension.
The perennial All-Star recently demanded the Pacers brass upgrade the roster to make Indiana a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. The team is reportedly trying to surround him with the talent needed to grant his request.
If they can’t improve the roster and end up missing the playoffs or getting knocked out in the first round, Indiana could revisit trade talks in the offseason if George indicates he wants out. Things could get very interesting for the Lakers and new general manager Rob Pelinka if George is there for the taking after the 2016-17 campaign.