Despite the recent weekend news of allegations against the Los Angeles Lakers for tampering with the NBA's policy of permissible and impermissible contact between the franchise and former Indiana Pacers forward Paul George, these have been in place since the NBA Draft, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.

While the media was busy with the free agent craze and the shakedown of the Cleveland Cavaliers, its front office and Kyrie Irving's trade request; the Pacers were not happy with the way the Lakers had gone about trying to acquire George and claimed grievance after their suspicion.

Los Angeles quickly released a statement displaying their cooperation with the league and the hope of being cleared of this allegation.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the first quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
LeBron James’ NSFW reaction to Tyrese Haliburton’s brutal injuryDavid Yapkowitz ·
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) handles the ball in front of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half at Frost Bank Center.
Lakers’ LeBron James’ hilarious Victor Wembanyama admission on eventual retirementJosh Davis ·
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) drives to the basket as Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum.
DeMarcus Cousins explains the Luka Doncic reason why Magic overpaid for Desmond BaneJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Draymond Green reveals why Lakers’ $10 billion sale makes them ‘dangerous’Julian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers small forward LeBron James (6) smiles from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
Lakers star LeBron James’ post-retirement plans linked to AmazonPreston Byers ·
LeBron James answers a question during an interview session with reporters during the Los Angeles Lakers media day at the UCLA Health Training Center.
Bill Simmons rips Lakers, Buss family with LeBron James bailout takePreston Byers ·

“As the NBA's statement made clear, we cannot comment about the specifics of any ongoing investigation,” the Lakers said in a statement. “We can confirm, however, that we are cooperating fully with the NBA in the hope of clearing our name as soon as possible.”

This probe, which has been mainly focused around president Magic Johnson, first took place in the league office around June, which if proven true that the Lakers tampered with George while he was under contract with Indiana, can cost the team a myriad of potential punishments.

The Lakers can possibly suffer a loss of draft picks, fines up to $5 million, future restrictions on acquiring George once he becomes a free agent in the summer of 2018 and possible suspensions of offending officials, according to the initial report.