For any Los Angeles Lakers fans who believe CJ McCollum is sitting on a crystal ball, I have some good news: Paul George is about to join your favorite team.
During a recent appearance on The Woj Pod, the Portland Trail Blazers guard was asked whether he would try recruiting George on behalf of his own team this summer. His response was both self-effacing and exactly what the Lakers fans wanted to hear (h/t SLAM’s Ryne Nelson):
Do the Blazers need Paul George to compliment you and Damian Lillard?
CJ: “I already tried to get Paul George once. He already turned us down once. You can only shoot your shot so many times in the DMs before you just have to give up. He left me on red receipt, you know [laughs].
“But nah, he’s a cool dude, and he’s got to do what’s best for his family. He couldn’t control where he went. He ended up getting traded anyway to OKC.
“I wish him nothing but the best, and I’m sure he’ll enjoy that California sunshine next season.”
[Crowd laughs]
CJ: “What? It’s the truth.”
McCollum has a point. He’s not the only one in NBA circles who thinks George will end up with the Lakers. Los Angeles was already fined for tampering because of inappropriate contact with him, and George named Hollywood as his eventual destination when he informed the Indiana Pacers he wanted out.
To be honest, the more noteworthy part of all this is someone having the gall to ask McCollum about George coming to Portland. McCollum’s response was epic, but it would have been absolutely awesome had he launched into a diatribe about how the Blazers have over $145 million in salary commitments after factoring in free-agent holds, are slated to pay the tax and therefore don’t have the juice to pursue George unless he opts into the final year of his deal and forces a sign-and-trade.
Alas, I digress. Congratulations to all the Lakers fans out there. McCollum isn’t necessarily pulling for you in the PG13 sweepstake, but he is, however, convinced you already won them.
