As the Los Angeles Lakers geared up to chase superstars in 2018 NBA free agency, it was widely believed LeBron James and Paul George were atop their wish list. George had long been considered a Lakers’ lean, and the possibility of signing James was seemingly gaining steam by the day.
But as free agency began July 1, George immediately agreed to re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder on a max contract. That he didn’t even grant the Lakers a meeting made his decision all the more shocking.
With George no longer an option for the Lakers, many believed James was also off the table.