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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.
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.
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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.
