With the Oklahoma City Thunder visiting the Los Angeles Lakers inside Staples Center on Wednesday, it gave Paul George’s parents a chance to watch him play live as they reside in Southern California.

The four-time All-Star forward did not disappoint them and immediately showed how inspired he was to play on the night. He finished with 17 points in the first half alone, including a streak of 11 straight points, capped off by a hug he gave his father, Paul Sr., who was sitting at courtside.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots a game-tying two point shot to send the game to overtime in the fourth quarter against New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton shelves choke celebration to avoid ‘aura farming’
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates a three point shot against the Indiana Pacers in the second quarter during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns makes ‘history’ declaration after Game 1 loss

A native of Palmdale, which is also part of L.A. County, Paul George has long been rumoured to join his hometown team after this season. The speculations are understandable as he grew up rooting for the Lakers and still has a lot of family and friends living there. However, a potential move to Los Angeles still hangs in the balance and will most likely depend on how much success the Thunder will have this season with George, Russell Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony starring for them.

The Thunder ultimately won on the night in a blowout, 133-96. Their “Big 3” all had solid outputs combining for 65 points, led by Paul George’s 24. He also added two rebounds, three assists and three steals to help snap his team’s two-game losing streak and improve their record to 20-17 for the season.