After the NBA's investigation, the Los Angeles Lakers were fined $500,000 for violating the league's anti-tampering rule in regards to Paul George. In the findings, general manager Rob Pelinka contacted George's agent before the Indiana Pacers traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The team's general manager released the following statement according to Lakers:
“We respect and accept the NBA’s decision regarding this matter. On behalf of the Los Angeles Lakers, I want to express our regret over this unfortunate incident to both our fans and the NBA.”
Adam Streisand of Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP released the following statement:
“The Lakers organization is pleased that this thorough investigation has been brought to a close – and we can assure the fans that the Lakers will be hyper-vigilant going forward to make sure this is never an issue again.”
In a league where tampering exists, the Lakers received one of the biggest fines in NBA history. While there were more severe consequences, Los Angeles ultimately did not lose any draft picks and will be able to pursue George via trade or free agency.
Heading into the 2017-18 NBA season, it is no secret the new front office is clearing the necessary cap space to sign two max contract players. Along with George, the Lakers and LeBron James continued to be linked as his future with the Cleveland Cavaliers remains uncertain.