The Los Angeles Lakers hit the summer thinking of emerging out of it with a trio of new superstars under their payroll. The team’s grand dream was to acquire LeBron James, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard through an unprecedented haul of superstars over such a short period of time. However, the Lakers hit only 1-for-3, getting just James by signing the four-time NBA MVP to a large four-year, $153.3 million deal.
Although the Lakers scored the biggest acquisition this summer by securing the services of James, the team and its fanbase remain frustrated at the fact that Paul George opted to stick with the Oklahoma City Thunder instead of signing with the Lakers — which was what many people were led to believe for over a year before the swingman decided to extend his partnership with Russell Westbrook.
Despite the expectations and the buildup of a possible LeBron James-Paul George Purple and Gold tandem, that dynamic duo never formed this summer. In fact, according to James during an interview with Rachel Nichols of ESPN, he did not have any significant discussions with George with regards to teaming up in Los Angeles.
“I didn’t have many conversations with Paul, and I think Paul did what was best for him. And I think that’s what everybody should do as players, they should do what’s best for them and their family. You shouldn’t get too pressured by anybody. If there’s somebody they want to play with, and they have the opportunity to do it, then go for it. I think we all see that he made the best decision for himself and his family.
George’s decision definitely hurt Lakers fans, and probably, secretly disappointed James, who is without a superstar to flank him in running the show in Los Angeles next season.
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