The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly attempting to pull off major trade that would allow them to acquire All-Star swingman Paul George from the Indiana Pacers, according to veteran sports writer Bill Simmons.
Already armed with enough cap space to sign at least two max contract players, the Lakers are already laying out their plan for a big offseason splash, starting off with a monster trade involving their no.2 pick.
According to Simmons, the Lakers will attempt to lure the Pacers front office with a combination of their top-2 pick, and perhaps D'Angelo Russell in exchange for the California-native George, who is coming off a huge comeback season after breaking his leg a couple of years ago.
Simmons stressed the Lakers' presumptive offer might not be enough to land George, but it would certainly intrigue the Pacers. After all, Indiana is still in the process of putting in the pieces to get them back to title contention after pushing the button for a youth revolution last offseason.
The Verdict:
Just as what Simmons said the Lakers will try to come up with all sorts of package, but it's hard to imagine the Pacers dealing away their superstar in exchange for prospects who haven't proven a thing yet in the Big League.
The Lakers' no.2 pick might turn into versatile forward Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram who draws comparison to Kevin Durant, yet the Pacers aren't going to be lured any bit since they already have a young and explosive wing in George.
However, if the Lakers are really fixated on bringing a wingman that has all the DNA makeup of succeeding Kobe Bryant, Chicago Bulls' two-way guard Jimmy Butler isn't a shabby alternative. In fact, many believe the swingman is more acquirable than George on the trading front.
Butler, who is coming off his second All-Star season after 20.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists, is trekking uncharted waters with the Bulls who are in the verge of a major implosion following a disappointing run this season.
The Lakers certainly have a solid shot at Butler, but it would sure need more than the no.2 pick and Russell to woe the Bulls. Perhaps, adding Julius Randle to the mix could make the difference in the negotiation.