Los Angeles Lakers: 3 latest rumors on trade talks, draft plans

Trade for Paul George seems unlikely

There were already endless conversations about Paul George to the Lakers coming into the offseason. Then, the draft lottery happened and the volume turned up a couple of notches. By retaining their 2017 first round pick, the Lakers essentially became a more intriguing landing spot.

Some discussions even revolved around the idea of Los Angeles sending the pick to the Indiana Pacers as part of a deal for George. However, based on some recent comments from The Vertical‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers don’t feel that plan of attack is necessary at this point.

"“For the Lakers, they are pretty confident, they have a great deal of belief, they’re in position to get Paul George in 2018 whether he stays in Indiana or is traded elsewhere.”"

That means Magic doesn’t feel he needs to make a trade for George now. Instead, he can stay patient and wait to sign George next offseason, avoiding the parting of ways with any other assets in the process. It’s obviously the more desirable move for Los Angeles, and will give this young core more time to mesh before making a real run in 2018-19.

Some may see it as a risky approach — George could get traded and fall in love with his hypothetical new team. That could facilitate a re-signing, leaving the Lakers without a clear-cut target during 2018 free agency. Still, if it’s coming from Woj, chances are the team truly is confident they have the luxury of waiting.

Next: Redrafting the Lakers' last 3 lottery picks

So despite all of the speculation, it appears the No. 2 pick is staying in the Lakers’ hands for right now. That could change in the next few weeks, but it won’t leave as a way of bringing George to Los Angeles. By what we can tell, he’ll be coming home next offseason.