The Los Angeles Lakers will be one of the most aggressive teams during NBA free agency next summer. The majority of the current contracts come off the books for the Lakers next summer and the team intends to bring in one or two big names with all the cap space available.
One player that will likely be targeted will be All-Star small forward Paul George. As an Los Angeles native, George would be the ideal fit and believes it will be difficult to say no to Kobe Bryant when he comes calling via Scott Agness of Pacers.com:
“My heart is still in Indiana,” the 23-year-old said. “… I’m still a Pacer, and hopefully I remain a Pacer. I’m happy where I’m at.”
George said that him hypothetically joining the Lakers would certainly be a “family-favorite team.”
“Of course it would be tough (to say no to Kobe). You’re talking about playing [at] home.”
Along with George, the Lakers are also said to be showing serious interest in superstars LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Both players are set to hit the free agent market as well and will be aggressively pursued by the storied NBA franchise.
Although signing any of these players is a stretch at this point for the Lakers as all three players intend to remain with their current teams, Los Angeles is hoping Kobe can help with the recruiting effort.
With the team unable to retain Dwight Howard, the Lakers will be desperately seeking an elite player or two to help carry on the team’s legacy with Kobe entering the twilight of his career. James and Anthony are ideal candidates with George coming in at a close third.
http://www.sportscity.com/paul-george-says-itd-be-difficult-to-say-no-to-kobe-bryant/2013/07/17/