Paul George may be the most popular two-way player in the basketball industry at this moment. After so many years and in an emotional fashion, the 30-year old, 6-foot-8 forward has found his way back home to LA with the Clippers. Today, though, we're going to take a look at some Paul George tattoos.

George was the tenth pick overall in 2010 thanks to the Indiana Pacers. Since then, George has taken the defensive end of the floor by storm. Throughout his tenures with the Pacers, Thunder, and Clippers, he has put up impressive numbers averaging 19.9 points, 5.5 defensive rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. 

His high scoring numbers are propelled by his catch-and-shoot 3-point plays. In the 2018-2019 season, he put a spectacular field-goal percentage of 39.9%. 

Paul George Tattoos

Along with his athletic versatility and smart defensive plays are his stunning body inks. 

Big cats on hands

In the summer of 2012, the then-Pacer forward, flaunted his new ink on social media. His left hand showed a ferocious tiger while his right showed a majestic lion. 

In an ESPN interview with Jared Zwerling, he is quoted:  

“I got two tattoos: one of a lion on one hand, and one of a tiger on the other hand. They are my favorite animals, and they represent who I feel I am on the court. They are silent, but they are beasts.” 

https://www.instagram.com/p/QBIMNSHMpD/

05.02.90, Diamond symbol on his right bicep and elbow

This tattoo refers to George’s birthday: May 2, 1990. He was born in the small town of Palmdale in California. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJzF3hKjLlW/

Angel on right shoulder, Diamond-symbol with horns

George has an enchanting image of an angel on his right shoulder and just above it are the words: My Guardian Angel. A little below this tat is a rather cryptic symbol of a diamond with horn-like structures attached to it. No word for George yet what this means, but maybe he’ll let us in on it in the future. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/pgwiz-nMg-/

Knight on left shoulder

On the opposite end, George inked this beautiful and fierce knight on his left shoulder. Just above, if you look closely, is a silhouette of a character in robes holding a staff. Perhaps it is another one of George’s mysterious inks. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/2g226_HMu1/

Crown Me as The King on left forearm

Ingenious and stunning. Those are the two words that describe PG-13’s “Crown Me” tattoo. Just below the words: Crown Me are chess pieces with the King’s piece in the middle. While the “King” moniker has already been taken by Lebron James, George certainly doesn’t shy away from the same level of dominance on the floor. 

Paul George

Pack Gang

Moving a little closer to the sharp shooter’s wrist is a number of inks with chessboard designs, numbers, and the words “Pack Gang” 

“Walk by faith” on left inner forearm

This tattoo was hard to spot. George loves to wear arm bands during games so this one is almost always covered up. But a closer look at the picture shows the words elegantly written in script: “Walk by faith”. Is it an homage to George’s Christian heritage? We’ll have to wait for his confirmation to find out. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B69rGgDFrk0/

Street signs on right forearm

George also has an ink of some street signs on his right forearm and the number 61 on a banner on his wrist. However, there is no word yet on whose address this is and what “61” signifies.

https://www.instagram.com/p/S6g3Z8nMjx/

Route 14 on right forearm

George often introduces himself as someone from LA — especially if you aren’t Californian. In an interview for The Undefeated he is quoted: 

“People don’t know where Palmdale is or know nothing about Palmdale. So if it’s somebody from California, I will tell them I’m from Palmdale. If it’s somebody from Oklahoma, I’m from L.A. just because they don’t know where Palmdale is. So, you know, it’s just easier than to explain it to them.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/gJ2DzBHMkx/

Palmdale is actually an hour away from LA. California State Route 14, the sign immortalized in his forearm, is the highway that connected Palmdale with the greater Los Angeles area, where George grew up watching both the LA Clippers and Lakers at a distance.

My City of Dreams on right forearm

A lot of athletes would want to play for their homes, represent their country, and bring them pride. The six-time All Star forward with a feels the same way. There’s a good chance that the “City of Dreams” on his arm refers to LA. 

George is quoted in a conversation with then-fellow free agent Dwayne Wade: 

“In a way it's like, I want to come here (Los Angeles), I want to play for the home team and put a Laker jersey on. That's always gonna be something that I want to fulfill.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/gZVMh/

In 2018, he was rumored to have been in the talks with the Lakers for a trade. But George fell in love with OKC and his dynamic with Russell Westbrook. Last year, he was traded to the Clippers, joining forces with 2019 Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. Indeed, a wonderful trip back home for George.

Mama on right forearm

While difficult to spot, there’s a good chance this George tat writes: Mama. Surrounding it is a basketball with some playing cards in the background. In a cover story feature by ESPN, Ramona Shelburne writes: 

“George has always been close to his mother. As a kid, he was her “sidekick,” he says, holding her hand as they went on errands around Palmdale, California. She called him “Man” because he was bigger than all the other kids his age, and because, of her three children, he was her only son.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/XbZe2NHMjY/

Ink on right leg

The biggest threat to any athlete’s career isn’t a trade of free agency, it’s injury. No one knows this better than Paul George. As he was in pursuit of James Harden in a friendly game for Team USA, the then Indiana Pacers forward suffered a severe tibia fracture which put him out of commission for 76 games in the 2014-2015 season.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B69rGgDFrk0/

No word yet about this tat, not even a clear image of it, but even so, George’s story of recovery is definitely one for the books. 

Paul George is a six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA Team selection and four-time member of the All-Defensive Team. His inspiring display of brilliance, versatility, and resilience shines through his tenure in the league. Now, don’t get me wrong, all stories are special but a wondrous comeback story is always loved.

Which of these Paul George tattoos happens to be your favorite?