While today has been dominated by the LeBron James news of him opting out of his contract and becoming an unrestricted free agent, Paul George is in the background making a decision of his own. Will he come home to the Los Angeles Lakers and give up a SUPER MAX deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder to stay and play with Russell Westbrook? Could any other team have a chance at PG this offseason?
ESPN has been running a series on George this offseason titled My Journey and he had some interesting things to say in Part 2.
In the episode, he comes back to L.A. for a few appearances and meets Dwyane Wade to talk about his decision this summer. He asks D-Wade’s mentality when he had his decision to make. Of course, the OG dropped him some game, saying he can’t regret his decision and how it really depends on what he wants to do in his career. Wade County was worried about championships at the time, which made him link with LeBron in Miami to make it happen.
At 5:56, PG13 says he’s always dreamed about putting a Lakers jersey on and has to weigh the options of which situation would be better for him.
Of course, OKC can offer him a 5-year max worth $40 million more than other teams, so that could be too enticing for Paul to give up. As his manager said, he could also sign a two-for-one deal and hit free agency in two years.
Watch the entire episode above and learn a little more about PG and his journey towards this summer free agency. The pressure is on and it’s a big decision.
That Sam Presti/A Tribe Called Quest reference was hilarious too.
OS REWIND: How the Lakers Are Recruiting Paul George to Come to Los Angeles