Lakers Rumors: Paul George Forces His Way To Lakers In Proposed Trade

The Los Angeles Clippers have once again started their summer early, and the vaunted pairing of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George has failed for the 5th straight season to be enough to get the Clippers out of the Western Conference (with injuries playing a big role).

And while Kawhi was re-signed to a 3-year extension back in January, PG still doesn't have an extension and he can opt out and become a free agent before July 1st.

But if George really wants to stay in LA, and the Clippers aren't an option, perhaps he can force his way across the hall to the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report envisions that wild scenario going down in a proposed trade that would look like this:

LA Lakers Receive:

Paul George
PJ Tucker

LA Clippers Receive:

Austin Reaves
Rui Hachimura
D'Angelo Russell
Jarred Vanderbilt
One first-round pick: 2024 or 2025

George would get to stay home, and form a formidable big three with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, adding outside shooting and perimeter defence to the mix, while making the Lakers an immediate contender once again.

It also gets the beleaguered Tucker to a team that can use him.

The Clippers get to completely re-make their roster with a huge influx of talent and provide some depth for the next time Kawhi hits the injured list. Russell, if he chooses to pick up his option at $18 million, would replace Russell Westbrook, who will likely be on his way out in free agency. With Kawhi, a re-signed James Harden and Reaves, the Clips would still have a very competitive team.

Swartz's idea could just be a pie-in-the-sky scenario, but it's certainly one worth considering for both sides.