2018 NBA free agency: Early predictions for where top 15 players will sign

3. Paul George, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder (Player Option)

Where he will sign: Los Angeles Lakers

I’m sorry, but I couldn’t resist. At this point, there just seems to be too much smoke for there to be no fire. All of the signs suggest Paul George is primed to join the Lakers, especially if the Thunder continue to underwhelm.

Come on — the writing has been on the wall for some time. PG-13 hasn’t been shy about his interest in joining the Lakers, the hometown team he rooted for as a child. They’ve obviously got an exciting group of young stars, and have proven in the second half of this season they’re capable of winning at a consistent clip.

Maybe the addition of George would be enough to put the Lakers over the top? Especially after re-signing Randle like I previously predicted, Los Angeles would seem to have a team worth its weight in first round picks. George just serves as the icing on the cake concocted of some of the finest NBA prospects in the land.

The Thunder would like to think they can find a way to retain George. I’m sure a couple of other teams will try to pitch the dynamic two-way star when he inevitably declines his player option. In the end, though, there’s just too much interest in a return to Los Angeles for George to take any other route this offseason.