Paul George traded to OKC

[Edrees]

PG has had enough of the cold.

KD did not stay because they could not build a champtionship team.

Doubt PG will stay long term.

OKC will be in a better position than us for a couple reasons. First they are a playoff team and second they can offer him a longer deal. This next deal will most likely be his biggest/longest. I don't think you can underestimate that in today's market.

This will test his resolve to what he's supposedly said before. My guess is that we will have to sign LeBron and some depth before he fully decides next year. Should be entertaining.

Both those reasons applied to him on Indiana (OKC was 6th seed last year, Pacers 7th) and yet he still wanted to leave Indiana for LA. Nothing has changed, except that there's even less going on in OKC than there is in Indianapolis and the management is cheaper than it was on the Pacers. A team like Boston or Cleveland would have enticed him since he could compete for championships, but it's clear to me that if he's gonna be on a treadmill team, he'd rather just play for the Lakers.

There are fans here who would actually pass on Lebron James? You all sound crazy. He's the best basketball player in the world and our team **** sucks

Lebron in his 16th nba season (2018-2019) will not be the best basketball player in the world. By then it will be unquestionable that Kawhi and Durant are better. Keep in mind Kobe Bryant tore his achilles in his 16th nba season. Lebron's body is going to wear down, he may not get an injury but he wont be the same player and it will happen very soon.

I'd take Lebron on a 1 year deal if we signed him as a FA. That's it.

[Slava]

I kind of like what OKC has going this season, not that it would stop them from being curb stomped by the Warriors but its still nicely put together and Presti had his best offseason in ages.

Adams
Patterson
George
Roberson
Westbrook

It looks like Westbrook, George and 3 offensively inept role players. I'm from Toronto and I've seen enough Raptors games to know that Patrick Patterson should be coming off the bench and even then he's limited in what he gives a team.

Patterson lead the raptors in net rating last season.

[Hunter103]

Nothing has changed, except that there's even less going on in OKC than there is in Indianapolis

Hey now, there's plenty going on in Indy! They host the world's largest Dungeons and Dragons convention every year PLUS several smaller Comic Cons!

Also something about racecars but nobody cares about those.

[TheHartBreakKid]

I think OKC did the best they could, with a pretty crappy hand that they were dealt after KD. I mean, they turned Ibaka into PG, and turned KD's cap relief into solid players that can replace Ibaka's production. The problem is the PG isn't KD, and they still aren't better than two seasons ago OKC, while the Warriors are way better than 2 seasons ago, and they will comfortably beat them in a playoff matchup.


I think OKC decided to go all in. They knew their roster as currently constructed would not be sufficient enough to retain Westbrook in the following offseason, so they decided to go all in for a new dynamic duo with minimal risk (Oladipo imo is a neutral asset at best given his contract, and Sabonis doesn't haves star potential imo).

Now, regarding if us vs okc for PG next season, I really, really like our chances, and a big reason why is the Dlo trade. As I'vesaid before, I didn't like the DLo trade, but in the PG scenario, it's definitely working to our advantage right now, considering how easily we can now clear up space for two max players. IMO, the only advantage OKC has over us is the fifth year....something I believe won't even much of a factor for PG who is likely to take a shorter contract and opt out to qualify for the 10+ max. Their other advantage is Russell Westbrook, who is far from a sure thing to stay in OKC after knowing that he isn't beating his rival KD even with PG on board.

I mean no disrespect to the city of OKC, but it's not at all unreasonable to think that a young flashy superstar from LA would prefer to not win championships in LA than to not win championships in OKC. Additionally, we simply have more potential as far as the rest of the roster goes. Ingram/Ball, possibly with Randle, and a fleet of other young players who can easily be quality cheap role players.

Again, I don't see the 5th season playing a big factor for PG, especially vs playing at home, in the bright lights of LA, while living out his childhood dream.

I won't comment on Westbrook because he has not vocal at all about the possibly of wanting to play in LA, and to his credit has shown incredible loyalty to OKC. Thus, i think commenting on Westbrook possibly coming with PG would be pure speculation on my part.

All I'm saying is this: If PG loves playing with Westbrook, it's just not far more unlikely for him to convince RW to join him in LA in a bigger market, and both of their hometowns, with far more potential in terms of the rest of the roster than them both staying in OKC. And if PG doesn't love playing with Westbrook, well then he simply has no reason to stay in OKC, as Westbrook is the only appeal in that situation.


As far as PG trades go.....a trade to the Cavs/Celtics and the possibility to go the finals, or a trade with the Clippers and the possibility to play in LA AND get his fifth year (though I don't think it'll be factor) were far more threatening imo for our chances for landing him than a trade with OKC. Heck, if for some reason Indiana refused to trade him, the possibility of him qualifying for the supermax would also be far more threatening for us.


I say everyone should just sit back and enjoy the show. I'm not saying PG is coming for sure.....A lot can change in a year and that's why I would have wanted him now. But Indiana being stubborn to give PG what he wants just might end up being the best thing for us in the long run.

[Landsberger]

it's clear to me that if he's gonna be on a treadmill team, he'd rather just play for the Lakers.

I don't think it's "clear". He wanted out of Indy. That is clear. His first choice was LA. That was clear. Anything now that he's been traded isn't clear. It could be a clean slate. That fan base is fantastic and he'll be in front of a full house on most nights. A lot can happen in a year.

[Edrees]

it's clear to me that if he's gonna be on a treadmill team, he'd rather just play for the Lakers.

I don't think it's "clear". He wanted out of Indy. That is clear. His first choice was LA. That was clear. Anything now that he's been traded isn't clear. It could be a clean slate. That fan base is fantastic and he'll be in front of a full house on most nights. A lot can happen in a year.

Fair enough. You're right it isn't clear. I should have said that it's my prediction based on everything I've seen from him so far.

[Landsberger]

it's clear to me that if he's gonna be on a treadmill team, he'd rather just play for the Lakers.

I don't think it's "clear". He wanted out of Indy. That is clear. His first choice was LA. That was clear. Anything now that he's been traded isn't clear. It could be a clean slate. That fan base is fantastic and he'll be in front of a full house on most nights. A lot can happen in a year.

Fair enough. You're right it isn't clear. I should have said that it's my prediction based on everything I've seen from him so far.

Not a problem. He was unhappy in Indy. OKC could be a great place and it could be horrible and he comes here. I guess my larger point is that our plan for 2 max slots next year isn't a sure thing at all. We've been doing this "next" year stuff for 7 years. I'm conditioned at this point for it not happening based on previous experience.

[trevm37]

Its very, very clear that George has one foot in and one foot out, if there was even a hint that he'd commit anywhere else, Indy wouldve gotten more for him. Indy didn't want to send him to a team in the East, and didn't want to send him to the Lakers, so they sold low. Could OKC convince George to stay? Yeah its a possibility, but it seems like more of a move to sign Westbrook to en extension (by showing him they can make the moves necessary for him to stay).

[Dr Aki]

I think even if OKC makes the WCF and don't get swept, Georges chances to join the Lakers should be slightly higher then signing a 5 year deal in OKC. My question would be can you guys sign him and another guy on a max deal if the cap is only around 105M?

that reality is a clarkson and randle dump, and deng stretch-waive away

[Landsberger]

Its very, very clear that George has one foot in and one foot out, if there was even a hint that he'd commit anywhere else, Indy wouldve gotten more for him.

I agree... but this is now. Things can change in a year is all I'm saying. No one knows if he will continue to want out and just to the Lakers. It's a risk and we've seen this before as Laker fans.

[danfantastk32]

Its very, very clear that George has one foot in and one foot out, if there was even a hint that he'd commit anywhere else, Indy wouldve gotten more for him.

I agree... but this is now. Things can change in a year is all I'm saying. No one knows if he will continue to want out and just to the Lakers. It's a risk and we've seen this before as Laker fans.

I personally think Westrbook will continue to do what he has always done: be the guy that eats first. When he's full....you can eat. I think PG will put up with it for a bit, but get pretty annoyed after a while. He's kinda used to being that guy too.

I see CP3 and Harden having this exact issue as well, btw.

I like Westbrook a ton....but he's his own worst enemy. He's this generation's Iverson...and like Iverson, he's just not good enough to turn it into a title. But I don't think he can change. At some point you gotta square Westbrook up, and realize he is what he is. He hits the same wall every year, and has done NOTHING to adjust to it. Be honest everyone....he hasn't changed his game in the SLIGHTEST. So why would he do it now? It's why I hope he never becomes a Laker. You can kiss any development from our youth goodbye.

I'm not too worried about PG and Westbrook falling in love and getting married. Like others wrote....Celtics or Cavs mighta made things scary.....but I'm not worried about OKC.

[Landsberger]

Its very, very clear that George has one foot in and one foot out, if there was even a hint that he'd commit anywhere else, Indy wouldve gotten more for him.

I agree... but this is now. Things can change in a year is all I'm saying. No one knows if he will continue to want out and just to the Lakers. It's a risk and we've seen this before as Laker fans.

I personally think Westrbook will continue to do what he has always done: be the guy that eats first. When he's full....you can eat. I think PG will put up with it for a bit, but get pretty annoyed after a while. He's kinda used to being that guy too.

I see CP3 and Harden having this exact issue as well, btw.

I like Westbrook a ton....but he's his own worst enemy. He's this generation's Iverson...and like Iverson, he's just not good enough to turn it into a title. But I don't think he can change. At some point you gotta square Westbrook up, and realize he is what he is. He hits the same wall every year, and has done NOTHING to adjust to it. Be honest everyone....he hasn't changed his game in the SLIGHTEST. So why would he do it now? It's why I hope he never becomes a Laker. You can kiss any development from our youth goodbye.

I'm not too worried about PG and Westbrook falling in love and getting married. Like others wrote....Celtics or Cavs mighta made things scary.....but I'm not worried about OKC.

Westbrook's mental approach/strength isn't there to be a leader on a great team. The sheer number of WTF plays he does a game still resemble his first couple years in the league. The regular season hides that a lot of the time but it's not hirable in the playoffs.

I'm not "worried" about anyone else. I can't control them so worrying is irrational. The only thing I'm trying to convey is that PG was in a situation that he thought saying something publicly would solve (wanting out of Indy) and it has. I'm not interpreting his comments as wanting to be a Laker as much as wanting not to be a Pacer any longer. Things change and if this situation is better than the one he was in and better than what we can offer next year I think we might be surprised yet again.

[RingsDontLie]

Would be weird to have Lonzo, Westbrook, and Paul George...all LA natives...well, SoCal natives.