In a recent episode of his podcast, “Paul George’s Podcast P,” the LA Clippers star expressed his dream of playing for a historical NBA team, and without hesitation, he chose the iconic early 2000s Los Angeles Lakers. This legendary Lakers squad, led by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, clinched three consecutive NBA titles in 2000, 2001, and 2002, solidifying their place in basketball history.
“Put me on that Kobe-Shaq team. I gotta play with OB. 2000, 2001, 2002, put me out there.” (26:50)
Paul George, known for his elite two-way skills, acknowledged the unparalleled impact he could have had alongside high-IQ superstars like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. While George has not yet secured an NBA championship, his versatility and ability to contribute to offensively-stacked teams make him an ideal fit for the dominant Lakers of the early 2000s.
The synergy between Kobe and Shaq during those years was evident, despite their off-court differences. The Lakers faced challenges on their path to victory, including hard-fought playoff battles against teams like the Sacramento Kings and the Portland Trail Blazers. Paul George, in his prime, could have added a significant boost on both ends of the court during those crucial moments.
The speculation about a team-up with the three-peat Lakers revolves around the idea that Paul George’s skill set would have complemented Kobe and Shaq perfectly. His passing ability could have benefited O’Neal, while his ball-handling skills would have provided Kobe with another quality playmaker.
Although this hypothetical scenario remains speculative, the prospect of Paul George joining the early 2000s Lakers adds an exciting dimension to the team’s legacy. As a vocal fan of Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, George’s admiration for the purple and gold has been well-documented, making this dream scenario even more intriguing for basketball enthusiasts.
Paul George Could Have Joined The Lakers Before The Clippers
Before Paul George’s trade to the LA Clippers, there were strong indications that he had a deep affinity for the Purple and Gold of the Los Angeles Lakers. During his final year with the Oklahoma City Thunder, George expressed a desire to explore opportunities, and there was significant speculation that he might choose to join the Lakers, especially with the prospect of LeBron James joining the team that offseason.
Amidst the rumors, George seemed to be eyeing a move to South Beach, raising expectations that he could form a formidable partnership with LeBron James in Los Angeles. The anticipation was building, but before LeBron made his decision public, George made a surprising move by committing to stay with the Thunder. He signed a four-year, $137 million contract, dashing the hopes of Lakers fans who had envisioned him in the Purple and Gold.
Ultimately, George’s dream of playing for the Lakers never materialized during that stint. Instead, he continued his journey with the Thunder before a significant turn of events. In a blockbuster trade, George was later dealt to the Clippers in exchange for a substantial package, teaming up with Kawhi Leonard in an attempt to reshape the landscape of Los Angeles basketball.
While George’s path took him to the other side of the Staples Center, his earlier flirtation with the Lakers adds an intriguing “what-if” element to his career. Circumstances led him down a different road, and he now faces the Lakers as a key player for their cross-town rivals, the Clippers.
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