As the Los Angeles Lakers aggressively tried to make a deal for Indiana Pacers swingman Paul George happen, the front office attempted to do business with the Dallas Mavericks, but their Western Conference rivals weren't willing to give up their No. 9 overall selection for point guard D'Angelo Russell, according to CBS Sports' Mike Fisher.
The Lakers were clearly making room for a point guard on their roster and trying to avoid a potential logjam in the backcourt, presumingly drafting Lonzo Ball with Thursday's No. 2 overall selection. Los Angeles is actively looking for a high top-10 pick to give the Pacers in exchange for George, but ultimately traded Russell for the Brooklyn Nets' Brook Lopez.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has been reportedly enamored with French international prospect Frank Ntilikina, going out to visit him in Italy for a visit and even naming his former club coach to the Mavs coaching staff for this year's Orlando Summer League for added comfort.
The in-house debate has been between point guards Ntilikina and North Carolina State prospect Dennis Smith, who is currently slotted at the No. 9 slate, according to DraftExpress.
The Mavericks have been known to be in dire need of a point guard, so searching this avenue was worth tapping into. Cuban seems to be more willing to find his own gem through the draft than pick up Russell, who still has some growing to do as an NBA talent.
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