Los Angeles Lakers: 3 latest rumors on free agency targets, draft plans

Lakers still favorites for PG-13 despite Rockets’ interest

You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it at least a dozen more times before July 1. The Lakers are the leading candidates to land Paul George this offseason. That, however, doesn’t mean other teams won’t throw their hats in the ring as potential suitors for PG-13.

According to Rockets Wire’s Kelly Iko, the Houston Rockets have a keen interest in luring George away from the Oklahoma City Thunder this offseason.

"“In addition to the Rockets’ longstanding interest in free agent-to-be LeBron James, another noteworthy longtime target of general manager Daryl Morey is Paul George, two league sources told Rockets Wire.”"

It seems a tad odd, seeing as it would take some serious maneuvering by the Rockets to create the cap space needed to sign either James or George. They’ve already got a ton of money tied up in James Harden, Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson, and also need to re-sign Chris Paul and Clint Capela this summer, neither of which is going to come cheap.

Morey, however, doesn’t seem to worried about figuring out the math.

Regardless, Iko claims that the Lakers are “still favorites” to have George put pen to paper this offseason. It’s a positive sign for Los Angeles, but we’ve been continuously reminded that they’re no shoo-in. Plenty of potential contenders will be looking to add that final piece come July 1, and George seems to fit the bill as a game-changer.

For now, though, the Lakers appear comfortably in the driver’s seat. It’s their race to lose, but a number of clubs are hot on their heels. One slip-up could be the difference between landing a superstar or two, and going home empty-handed.

Next: Hot takes on futures of Ball, Ingram and Kuzma

It’s going to be a very interesting next couple of months on the Lake Show. Stay tuned, because it could get crazy sooner rater than later. Then again, isn’t that always the expectation with one of the NBA’s most storied franchises?