Hoops Habit
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: Imagining Bill Simmons’ star-studded starting lineup

By Gil Alcaraz IV

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 20: Paul George #13 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates after making a shot against the Utah Jazz at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 20, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 20: Paul George #13 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates after making a shot against the Utah Jazz at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 20, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images /

Small Forward: Paul George

We already know this is happening, right? Paul George tried to throw Lakers fans off the scent this week (via Sports Illustrated‘s Lee Jenkins), but I don’t think many are buying it. Simmons described the whole PG-13 situation pretty accurately:

"“Paul George is going to the Lakers anyway. I mean, that’s not even a secret anymore. It’s just like, they might as well start selling his jersey.”"

And yet, we have to watch him wear an Oklahoma City Thunder jersey for at least one full season after the Lakers failed to make a deal for him. It’s not the worst thing in the world, especially since Los Angeles didn’t have to give up assets to do. However, it does make the financial situation a little more restrictive.

Had the Lakers acquired George instead of the Thunder, Los Angeles could have re-signed him next offseason with less regard for the salary cap. Now that that isn’t the case, they’ll be forced to take the cap into consideration without his Bird Rights when signing the the All-Star forward. It is what it is.

So how does George fit into the equation? I’d see him starting at small forward where he can do damage with his versatile offensive game and outstanding perimeter defense. I don’t necessarily think he’d be the star of the show, but he wouldn’t need to be with all of the talent surrounding him.

We’ve been talking about George wearing purple and gold for the last few months. I don’t think the chatter is going to die down anytime soon.

Home/Los Angeles Lakers