Paul George says the Lakers were angry that he refused to meet with them before re-signing with the Thunder, but adds that his mind was already made up. Appearing on the Short Story Long podcast, George contends there were hard feelings from team president Magic Johnson and the L.A. organization about his decision.
“I didn’t give Magic [Johnson] a meeting, which I understand,” George said. “But at that point, I knew I wanted to give it another shot [in Oklahoma City]. I didn’t want to prolong it and waste people’s time.”
A native of the Los Angeles area, George had once been considered very likely to join the Lakers when he hit free agency. The reason he was traded to the Thunder last summer is that his agent informed Pacers management that he had no plans to re-sign in Indiana.
However, George enjoyed his experience in OKC, even though the team was ousted from the playoffs in the first round. He was the first big-name free agent to announce his decision this year, making it official shortly after midnight Eastern time on July 1 at a party thrown by teammate Russell Westbrook.
The Thunder gave George a four-year deal worth $137MM with a player option for the final season. He played 79 games in his first season in Oklahoma City, posting a 21.9/5.7/3.3 line.
“Coming down to free agency, I didn’t want to waste any time,” George added. “I wanted to give it another shot. I gave them one year. We played well against the best teams. I wanted to give it a real shot.”
Why would the Lakers think Paul George owes them a meeting? I mean they didn’t talk to him when he was under contract with the Thunder because that would be tampering right Magic?
Yeah no way, he’d never do that.
They could have traded for him but took for granted he would come to LA but Surprise, surprise, surprise….
I don’t believe this story a bit. I think after watching Paul George perform on the big stage and watching him fail, the Lakers changed their mind about giving him the max contract and Max money.
Why did Magic get his panties in a bunch when PG didn’t give him a meeting? Do you not believe that? Alternate reality much? PG didn’t want to get kidnapped like DeAndre Jordan, Magic would get him drunk on Vintage Bordeaux at Lebrons crib then force him into signing. We have seen that story before. He didn’t want to play bass in Lebrons band. Big deal. Get over it. He can co-star with Russell & with Smelo and his wasted touches gone as well. He could flourish, knee could be better, Roberson back. OKC finishes ahead of Lakers this season. No problem.
If he is happy, that is all that matters to it, but just surprised he chose to remain in Oklahoma instead of going home to LA. Just hope he has a great season, I like him very good both ends of the court. A real nice guy too.
I don’t want that loser on the Lakers. Check his 1 on 1s vs Kawhi. Not even in the same conversation. Have fun as a second round exit at your peak.
Check everyone’s 1 on 1 vs kawhi lol.
Whaaaaaaaa
He did not want to play with Lebron. Easy to see. PG wanted Lebron to commit to Cavs & he would join him there and Lebron refused. It’s called payback. If people think that Kawhi will be a Laker they are in for a shock. Same reason, Lebron. Like Durant, they want to beat him and not be told what to do by him. I don’t blame them.
It’s not all about Lebron, except in that they play the same position. It’s an old-fashioned reason but still true, that the Lakers did not have an ppening at PG’s position. PG is not a 2, not a 4, and won’t be. LJ can play all around but PG not.
In the end Kawhi will come to the same conclusion. For ’19/’20, the Clippers have under contract 6 guards, a big and Gallinari– they are ready for him to sign there. With Toronto he has a route to the finals. But with the Lakers, he would be having to shift to where he’s less effective. So yes it’s about Lebron but not about his personality.
Lebron was kind of expected to be bossy in Cleveland but in his first tour there he liked to have fun. I think his first year in LA will be like that, & that’s why LAL went after the players they did. Next year they will get Pelinka’s choices.
No problem kid. Enjoy beautiful Oklahoma City.
If he didn’t want to waste any time, why didn’t he just say he was staying weeks or even months before, when he reportedly already had made up his mind? The timing and the false attention mattered to him. When you declare an intention, you should at the very least be clear that your intentions have changed. PG is a little attention. seeking diva, don’t believe for a second that he “didn’t want to waste time”.
Exactly.
Wait! Attention seeking Divas in the NBA ??? NO Way Only about 450 of them..HA hahahahah Get over it, Bra…
Well PG’s failure to clarify his intention’s is why the Pacers only had 1 national game on television. PG’s return to Indianapolis. He got soundly booed. PG said he “had bitter taste” in his mouth from Magic refusing to trade for him. Westbrook treated him with respect. Magic didn’t. PG was upset with the Pacers because they traded all their players the year he had to sit out with the broken leg.
Lakers were lucky he passed. Better talent available at $36,250,000a year
This will come as a shock to you lakers fans…..but if this past offseason didn’t prove this, then nothing will but…..
Not everyone wants to play for you. You are not the Yankees of the NBA.
From now on please refer to the Lakers as “the sixteen time champion Lakers”.
But have stunk the last 6 years.
Why waste your time being mad at PG when you ended up getting LeBron? Seems a little immature
PG said Magic not trying to trade for him left a “bitter taste” in his mouth. Said he had already made up his mind, and didn’t see wasting any body elses time was necessary.
Magic, I believe, will end up being successful in his current job and bring the Lakers to at least some significance. But failing to trade for PG at a discounted price was a rookie (GM) mistake. The decision to wait (and get him for “nothing” next year) was certainly logical, at least based just on the objective data points at the time (PG expressed desire to play for his hometown Lakers, the Lakers lacking significant trade assets, and slim chances of the Lakers competing even with him last year). But deal making isn’t playing chess, and players aren’t chess pieces. Every year in the prime of an NBA player’s career is significant to him, and each has the potential to change him and his perspective of what’s best for him as to the balance of his career. The risk-reward of leaving PG out there at Indiana’s ask price for the Lakers (at least per the media) was way too high. It’s not even clear the Lakers made an offer.
Kwahi may be similar or different. The Spurs, unlike the Pacers, had no desire to accommodate the player. The opposite. They may have had a higher price for the Lakers than the discounted one they gave Toronto. Still, the Lakers should have made an offer (even if it had to be through the media) that was at least as good as Toronto’s and do it quick. Let the Spurs’ fans and Kwahi see it. He could still go there, but Magic didn’t prioritize another special opportunity. They won’t keep coming.
I’m exhausted.
At least Based just on the objective data points, I can relate!! Sheesh
I would like to know what Pelinka would have done without Johnson.
Nah I think Ingram has the potential to be even better than PG13. Add in the fact that we still got LeBron, and I am 100% satisfied with what the front office has done
Remember when everyone said he was gonna join the Lakers in FA lmao
He owes the Lakers absolutely nothing. What is he, their property?