The Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Lakers have been quick to pick up the phone and engage in trade talks for soon-to-be free agent forward Paul George, according to a dual report by ESPN's Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne.

Teams like the L.A. Clippers, Houston RocketsWashington Wizards, and the Cleveland Cavaliers have inquired about George's availability after he stated his desire to play out the season and make his way out of Indiana as soon as he becomes a free agent in the offseason of 2018.

Out of the pack, the Lakers are the favorites to land the 27-year-old, whether it is by Thursday's NBA Draft or sometime before the trade deadline in 2018. If no trade is finalized prior to the deadline, Indiana would lose George for nothing, as he's made it known that his destination of choice is indeed Los Angeles.

The Pacers have been hellbent in acquiring either forward Brandon Ingram or the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft, but the Lakers have been utterly reluctant — reportedly offering a package including Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, and the 28th overall selection, which the Pacers scoffed at.

While the Lakers have the majority of the leverage given how George's camp has done their utmost to let other teams know he has no intentions to re-sign with any other team, other than the Lakers, that the Pacers might trade him to.

The urge for Los Angeles comes in trying to secure George ends up in purple-and-gold, given Indiana's cry that they will make whatever decision is best for the franchise, not for George.

New Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard has been determined to complete a George trade either before or coinciding with Thursday's NBA Draft, according to a report by the Indianapolis Star earlier today.