Although the Los Angeles Lakers’ main trade targets have been revealed to the public, one high-profile superstar could soon be on the organization’s radar.
If the Lakers want to take a chance on a misunderstood two-way contributor, there’s a chance they could pursue a Philadelphia 76ers standout forward.
“If Philadelphia does blow it up, and the Lakers make a couple of calls, (Joel) Embiid doesn't make much sense because Anthony Davis is just better,” Clutch Points’ Anthony Irwin wrote Wednesday. “(Tyrese) Maxey is almost certainly off the table entirely because of his age and rapid ascent. Which leaves… Paul George.”
“In just basketball terms, George makes a ton of sense. He's a knockdown three-point shooter, especially in catch-and-shoot opportunities. He can handle the ball, too, which helps when either Davis or LeBron James is off the floor. Athletically, he's still got enough in the tank to defend well, too. In theory, it's perfect.”
After spending five seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the 76ers.
So far, George hasn’t had the best experience in Philadelphia, as the Fresno State product has failed to perform up to his standards in October and November.
George is averaging 14.9 points per contest on 38.3% shooting from the field and 27.8% shooting from downtown.
Following loss No. 11 for Philadelphia and a players-only team meeting, George detailed the sequence of events on his “Podcast P” show, subsequently confusing NBA fans.
Many believe the eight-time All-Star is prioritizing his side hustle over his main source of income. However, George is dealing with a left knee injury and wishes to provide outsiders with intriguing information regarding the state of the franchise.
A healthy George can contribute to winning by creating mismatches on the perimeter, remaining engaged when he isn’t tasked with being a ball-dominant wing, and regularly keeping opponents in front of him defensively.
While the Lakers could use an asset like George, completing a trade for the 2013 NBA Most Improved Player award winner would be challenging.
"You're probably looking at a trade of D'Angelo Russell's expiring $18 million, Rui Hachimura ($17 million), Gabe Vincent ($11 million), and either Jaxson Hayes or Cam Reddish ($2.5 million), plus the 2029 and 2031 first-round picks and probably a few second-rounders/picks swaps on top of it all, and that's if Philly doesn't demand Dalton Knecht or Austin Reaves,” Irwin added.
It may be an unlikely move for Los Angeles, but if the 76ers shake things up this season, it could be worth exploring.
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