Kofi Inkoom
Jake Weinbach of Hoopsbait reports that D’Angelo Russell of the Los Angeles Lakers is likely to turn down his $18.6 million player option and become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Additionally, there are discussions about Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George declining an extension from the team and opting for free agency this summer.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report has proposed a trade scenario where the Los Angeles Lakers acquire Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers.
Swartz’s proposed trade involves:
Lakers receiving George and PF P.J. Tucker, while the Clippers would obtain G Austin Reaves, F Rui Hachimura, G D’Angelo Russell, F Jarred Vanderbilt, and a 2024 or 2025 first-round pick.
George has the option to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason by declining his 2024-25 player option worth $48.8 million. Swartz suggests that with this leverage, George may request a trade to the Lakers. Swartz envisions a powerful trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and George, which would enhance the Lakers’ shooting and defense.
Swartz notes, “With leverage since he can walk out the door and leave the Clippers with nothing, George should request a trade to the Lakers instead… The combination of LeBron James (who would be more likely to re-sign with the Lakers himself), Anthony Davis and George would become one of the best Big Threes in all of basketball, improving L.A.’s outside shooting and overall defense in the process….The Lakers would still have first-round picks in 2029 and 2031 to try to fill in the roster around their stars. Trading George isn’t the Clippers’ first choice (especially not to the Lakers), but it would be far better than seeing the nine-time All-Star leave in free agency with nothing in return.”
George’s statistics for the Clippers this season include averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, with impressive shooting percentages. Despite his individual success, the Clippers were eliminated in the first round of the 2024 playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks.
In his career, George has achieved notable averages with various teams but has never reached the NBA Finals. Acquiring George would potentially form a “Big 3” for the Lakers alongside LeBron and Davis, pending successful negotiations between the teams.