Why returning home to play for the Lakers could come with its own risk for Paul George.

INDIANAPOLIS – Paul George got the shot he always wanted, the shot he told teammate C.J. Miles he needed to take in the closing seconds, the shot that he’s clearly rehearsed numerous times, based on his latest sports drink commercial. What George didn’t get was the desired result as his potential game-tying 3-pointer soared over the rim and off the glass, putting an end to the Indiana Pacers’ season – and, possibly, his career with the organization.

Reality rarely lives up to fantasy, and George should take that into consideration as he ponders an uncertain future that hinges on many factors that are beyond his control. Did NBA writers vote him on to one of the three All-NBA teams and give the Pacers a nearly $80 million advantage in hopes of re-signing him to a massive extension? Has Larry Bird seen enough of his team – of George – to determine that the time has come for a franchise averse to rebuilding to move its lone All-Star and start anew? Will the Los Angeles Lakers get the top-three pick in next month’s NBA draft lottery that would likely be needed to deal for a player with whom they have mutual interest?

As a dejected George sat at a podium after the Pacers were swept in a seven-game series for the first time in franchise history, the four-time All-Star was the most measured and coy as he’s been when asked about whether he wants to remain in the same uniform and what it would take for him to be persuaded to stay.

“I ain’t even at that point, yet,” George said after the Pacers lost 106-102 on Sunday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.



By Michael Lee.
Full story at Yahoo News.