Things are looking good on the horizon for the Los Angeles Lakers after news broke yesterday that Paul George intends to leave the Pacers after this season and would like to join the Lakers.
But next summer is a year away and there's still a lot that can happen between now and then. Trade rumors have already ramped up for George this season with teams, such as the Cavaliers, interested in renting George before he hits free agency. It's also causing the Lakers to take action as well and decide if they want to pursue George for this coming season as well or hold out and believe that he will come join them in the future anyway.
An update on what the Lakers are doing in preparation for all of these scenarios, via Ramona Shelburne of ESPN:
The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to acquire another first-round pick for Thursday's NBA draft, league sources told ESPN.
The Lakers have engaged at least two teams in the lottery, sources said, as they search for players to improve their outside shooting and perimeter defense.
Shelburne adds that the Lakers are considering Lonzo Ball, Josh Jackson and De'Aaron Fox with the No. 2 pick. If they intend to add another lottery pick, surely they'd have to package some combination of Brandon Ingram, D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson.
The Lakers need to ensure that they remain an attractive destination for George next summer, or to make a move to get him this season. They may be hesitant to do that however since making a trade with the Pacers would involve the Lakers losing out on some of their current assets.
Word is that we will find out soon about a potential George deal to the Cavaliers, before the NBA Draft this Thursday most likely. But a lot can happen between now and then.
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