The Lakers and Pacers are in active discussions about a trade that would send Paul George to Los Angeles, ESPN.com reported Wednesday (AEDT).
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Completing a deal ahead of Friday’s NBA Draft is far from certain, however. In exchange for George, the Pacers want the No. 2 overall pick, an asset the Lakers are reluctant to part with.
One team source told ESPN.com there is ‘’zero chance” the Lakers will include either this year’s No. 2 pick or Brandon Ingram (last year’s No. 2 pick) in a trade for George.
The Lakers have some leverage here – George has expressed his desire to join them when his current deal expires after next season. That means L.A. could wait a year and have a good chance to sign George as a free agent next summer without having to give anything up. The Pacers, however, don't want to let him walk without something in return.
If the Lakers follow that strategy, though, the risk they’d be taking is another team (Cavaliers, Celtics, Rockets, Wizards) acquiring George from Indiana this offsesason and convincing him to sign a long-term deal.