Paul George, who grew up in California and played his college ball at Fresno State, has reportedly been itching to return to the West coast and play for the Lakers for quite some time now.
George recently informed the Pacers that he intends to leave Indiana after next season and it looks like he could end up in purple and gold sooner than later.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne, the Pacers and Lakers have engaged on Paul George trade talks ahead of Thursday's NBA Draft. The Lakers certainly aren't the only team interested in the 26-year old All-Star forward but they're the only ones with that coveted #2 pick in the draft.
Per ESPN,
"But sources told ESPN on Tuesday that it remains unclear whether the sides can agree to trade terms before the draft, given Indiana's desire to acquire the Lakers' No. 2 overall pick and L.A.'s well-chronicled reluctance to surrender it."
"One team source went as far Tuesday as saying there's "zero chance" they'd surrender Thursday night's No. 2 pick or Ingram."
Cleveland is one team that is obviously interested in adding Paul George to their roster, as are the Celtics and Rockets, with hopes that they can sway him to stay after his contract expires following the 2017-18 season.