weird that george would demand that indy get pieces to win a title whilst quietly threatening to walk to the second-worst team in the league.
Yeah I'm really struggling to figure out what leverage is getting gained here. Usually when a team/player/agent uses our name it's just a leverage move to mess with someone else's offer. Initially I figured that's what this was: George threatens to sign only long-term in LA or Indiana so that Boston's leverage is weakened. But the threat was too strong and now Boston seemingly has backed out. So then... is this actually a trade demand to LA? Because everyone else's bargaining power around the league has been dampened. LA has a handful of really solid assets.
If he's really demanding a trade to LA, there's no point of giving up more than JC and Houston's pick. Otherwise, it'll be like stashing a player for a year in Europe lol
Yeah, but Kobe came out and actually said it didn't he? This has been conducted through the media. The key is: can Indiana put a contender around Paul George this summer? I don't see how they can. Then again, the Lakers did it all those years ago. We'll just have to wait and see.
Yeah, the waiting game works in our favor. We know what disgruntled expiring stars lead to. Eventually we'll pick him up for a bag of chips, much like Cousins.
A lot can happen in a year, sure he's saying he would sign here (or so says sources) but there's a bunch of what ifs. Of course my idea of JC/Randle/top3 pick is the most I'd give, but I start the talks at lower. Funny, this sort of trade would have Mitch's name written all over it.
A lot of things have to happen, but I do believe there's a good chance George does wind up in L.A. at some point. All these rumors didn't really pick up till the news of Magic's promotion. Don't take that's a coincidence. It gives the Lakers more credibility with these star free agents. You will likely have a top three pick. Still have Russell, Randle, Ingram, and JC as trade chips. You get one superstar like a Paul George and others will soon follow. Nobody can say for certain how this will play a lot or how will Magic will fare, but he's saying and doing the right things and looks committed to building this roster and getting things back on track. Other stars see that and all of a sudden makes us somewhat attractive again.
I think we have the ability to regroup quicker because of the "potential" on our roster. Teams would trade for that potential. Turner is all Indy has.
Larry Bird will swat away offers.... right now. The Pacers are 29-28, 6th in the East and can cling to hopes they can convince PG to stay by maybe actually going quasi-deep in the postseason (whereas the Lakers toil at the bottom of the standings). Plus if PG makes an All-NBA Team, they can offer him that mega-extension that only they can offer. If not, well they can trade him in the summer. I'm sure Larry is so accustomed to winning that he won't accept rebuilding unless he has absolutely no choice.
My pleasure EddieEddie! Credit where it's due - If you're right, you're right, even if I didn't see it that way a week or two ago or whenever that was. Glad it made your day! Yes, let's keep that pick! Now we definitely need it for this to be a successful season as you said.
We need a star player and a leader, and with the new management it would not be too hard for us to start making some noise relatively soon. It's an interesting and challenging role for George, but if he feels he can be that next star player for us to take us to the next level... we'd be in good shape.
Another possibility with PG13 releasing all this info now is to also light a fire under the Lakers. "Yeah. I'd love to play for you guys, but you have to make it somewhat appealing." If this PG13 smoke is true, Randle is a goner. He will be at the Team option stage of his first contract that offseason. I think that if a trade is made to get that first star to attract George, Randle will be part of it. I also bet Clarkson will be in it too for salary matching purposes/quality return.
