There are those who still believe that Oklahoma City Thunder star Paul George is not committed to OKC for the long haul.

George has long been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers — he is from Palmdale, California, and grew up a big Kobe Bryant fan, (but was a fan of the LA Clippers) — and according to Mitch Lawrence of Forbes Magazine, that move can still happen.

In some circles, the Lakers are still considered the front-runners. The Thunder hasn’t given George many reasons to commit long-term, even after OKC GM Sam Presti was hailed for trading off four role players for George and [Carmelo] Anthony. Reigning MVP Russell Westbrook has looked lost with George and Anthony.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
NBA great Kevin Garnett is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Kevin Garnett’s hyped reaction to looming Bronny James-Cooper Flagg showdownAbdullah Imran ·
Nique Clifford greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 24th pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Oklahoma City Thunder 2025 NBA Draft grades for each pickLorenzo J Reyna ·
Khaman Maluach in a Suns jersey smiling with general manager Brian Gregory smiling next to him.
Suns news: Why Khaman Maluach ‘fits in exactly’ with new cultureHayden Cilley ·
Ace Bailey stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the fifth pick by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Ace Bailey gym video sparks buzz after rookie’s Jazz arrivalRichard Pereira ·
Former Seattle Supersonics head coach Lenny Wilkens acknowledges the fans after being introduced during a third quarter timeout of a preseason game between the Utah Jazz and LA Clippers at Climate Pledge Arena.
Lenny Wilkens’ incredible statue unveiled with help from StormAbdullah Imran ·
Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher (25) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) in the third quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
1 sneaky good player Rockets must sign in 2025 NBA free agency after Kevin Durant tradeMatty Breisch ·

George is currently under contract with the Thunder for one more year after this season, but he has a player option for that second year, per HoopsHype. He would have to essentially give up $20.5 million to opt out of that contract and sign somewhere else.

The Lakers are on a rebuild and are focused on developing talent this year, but it's no secret that they want to hoard their cap space for two max free agents next year. One of those may be George.

It's true that the Thunder are struggling, and that could be a factor in George's decision when the season ends. But it would behoove him to have patience and see where this goes with OKC. It's not easy to have immediate success with three isolation-heavy players having to learn how to play together.

But if George is looking or greener pastures — and less tornadoes — the Lakers will be happy to have him.