Lakers’ Paul George Free Agency Pitch Leaked by Sports Illustrated

It’s been no secret that Paul George and his hometown Los Angeles Lakers have had a mutual interest in one another for quite some time. Now, after a leaked video script that seemingly lays out the Lakers’ exact pitch to the five-time All-Star, the world knows how the Lakers plan to attack.

Content of the script, as reported by Robin Lundberg of Sports Illustrated:

“When you were just a kid

In your room
Dreaming from Palmdale

We were dreaming too.

While you dreamt, we built – built for your arrival

And while we dreamt, you built too
Becoming one of the world’s greatest.

Life’s most powerful dream are the one we realize ourselves.

The ones that turn us into legends.
That kid from Palmdale always knew it
Now the world will, too.”

Are you surprised they’re going with the “Come home, it’s our shared destiny” approach? Me neither.

George is from Palmdale — about 60 miles north of Los Angeles — and his ties to the area are obviously at the epicenter of the Lakers’ chances to lure him back to the west coast. It’s no shock that they’re appealing to his ethos in their presentation. It’s a bit corny for my liking but what do I know? Seems like Magic Johnson should be able to handle the pitch by himself without the need of voiceover work and video presentations. I mean, it’s Magic Johnson.

With George rumored to be considering a return to Oklahoma City on a short-term deal, expect the Lakers and their fans to turn up the heat as the July 1 free agency period begins. It will be interesting to see if he is ultimately able to reject the call to return home in favor of running it back with Russell Westbrook and the Thunder.