After the Indiana Pacers filed tampering charges against the Los Angeles Lakers, the NBA ultimately fined them $500,000 for violating the league's anti-tampering rule. In the ruling, general manager Rob Pelinka had contact with Paul George's agent before he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With Pelinka expressing ‘regret' over the situation, Pacers general manager Kevin Pritchard had the following to say according to Tania Ganguli of Los Angeles Times:
Pacers triggered the Lakers tampering investigation, so I asked for their comment. From GM Pritchard: "We accept the league's findings."
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) August 31, 2017
In a league where tampering occurs, the Lakers were ultimately fined but could have faced greater consequences such as being unable to acquire George via trade or free agency. With George set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2018, it will be interesting to see if he eventually finds his way to his hometown.
Since trading D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets, it is no secret Pelinka and President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson are attempting to clear enough cap space for two max contract players. Along with George, the Lakers have been linked with LeBron James.
For the Lakers, there is great optimism with the new front office along with Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. If both players show their All-Star potential this upcoming season, it could create an interesting offseason.
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