The Indiana Pacers could develop a serious interest in dealing All-Star swingman Paul George to the Los Angeles Lakers if the latter could throw in the No. 2 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, according to ESPN Insider Chad Ford.

The Pacers are dangling George to potential buyers, looking for the most succulent deal, but the Lakers could trump them all if they can offer the highest-immediate pick available, which is now No. 2 after the Boston Celtics agreed to trade the top selection to the Philadelphia 76ers.

This draft pick, accompanied by likely future draft picks and some contractual compensations to make the trade feasible is something the Lakers could do to change the outlook of the team right away, instead of waiting for another year to bring him into the fold.

Article Continues Below

Lakers president Magic Johnson has been reportedly enamored with UCLA prospect Lonzo Ball and it is still unknown if he's willing to give up this year's selection in order to get yet another hometown arrival in purple-and-gold.

The Pacers have been actively shopping George ever since he declared that he was leaning toward playing out his last year in Indiana and going elsewhere as soon as he becomes a free agent next offseason.