NBA players will always love to play in Los Angeles. Like it or not, that’s a fact. Sunny Los Angeles is a great place for an NBA player to build their brand. For a long time, that meant playing for the Lakers. They were a Mecca for NBA players looking to transition into a different type of stardom.
These days, the Clippers are giving them a run for their money. The Clippers are a viable brand. They were good enough for Kawhi Leonard, and they were good enough for Paul George. Now, George is building his platform as a podcaster. He’s ready for life after the NBA, and his residence in LA is helping him do it.
With that said, basketball-wise, things haven’t been going so well for the Clippers. Between Leonard and George, they’re built around two highly injury-prone players. Perhaps that’s why some have speculated that the Clippers could retool their roster soon. Could they keep George in Los Angeles by sending him to the Lakers?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Rui Hachimura, F/C Jarred Vanderbilt, G/F Cam Reddish, 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Paul George
With that said, market size matters less than it used to. Welcome to the age of social media. A player can make a name for himself on any team in the NBA – and open up opportunities for himself in the process.
Look at Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets. Moreover, look at Giannis Antetokoumnpo on the Milwaukee Bucks. Both of these international sensations are household names – in spite of playing for small market clubs. This may not be the issue that it used to be. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t an issue.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Lakers & LA Clippers Updates
Again – NBA players will always like to play in Los Angeles. It’s Los Angeles. It’s sunny, full of stars, and glamorous. Realistically, it will depend on a player’s personality as to whether they opt to play in a city like LA or not. Should the Clippers keep George in LA?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
This isn’t about location for the Clippers. It’s about the future of their team. This organization could be in trouble. Leonard and George are both extremely prone to injury. At this point, the Clippers have to consider cutting ties with one or the other – if not both.
This deal has them preparing for either possibility. If they want to retool around Leonard, this could help. The Clippers would be adding to their depth. They’d also be acquiring a much-needed point guard in Russell. If the Clippers are still competitive after this deal, they’ll be armed with some new draft capital to make another trade with.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Lakers & LA Clippers Updates
Alternatively, let’s suppose that the Clippers are rebuilding. Perhaps they’ll trade Leonard separately. In that event, they’re landing some intriguing young players in addition to some draft capital here. Either way, this is a good return for George if the Clippers are willing to move him. Should the Lakers acquire George?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
The Lakers are getting the best player in this deal – by a landslide. Adding George would give them one of the best trios in the NBA. He’d be joining LeBron James and Anthony Davis to make the Lakers serious title contenders.
Does that mean that the Lakers should make this deal? Not necessarily. If they’re looking like one of the best teams in the NBA leading up to the deadline, they may want to hang onto their draft capital and young players. By contrast, it’s possible that the Lakers will be underperforming.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Lakers & LA Clippers Updates
It’s also possible that they’d just opt to do this deal anyway. George is that good. If he can stay healthy, he’ll make the Lakers the best team in Los Angeles once again. Usually, that’s a recipe for being one of the best teams in the NBA.
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