The addition of 9-time All-Star Paul George was expected to elevate the Philadelphia 76ers into title contention. However, the 2024-25 season told a different story as George managed just 17.0 points per game across 28 appearances, marking his lowest scoring average since his second year in the league in 2011-12.
Amid George’s underwhelming performance, Sporting News’ Matt John floated a trade idea that would send George back to Los Angeles after his five-season tenure with the Clippers. The proposed three-team deal would involve the Lakers, 76ers, and Bulls, reshaping the rosters of all three franchises.
Proposed Trade Details
76ers Receive: Zach LaVine, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a top-10 protected 2029 first-round draft pick
Lakers Receive: Paul George and a 2028 second-round draft pick
Bulls Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, Kenyon Martin Jr., Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a 2027 second-round draft pick
Should the Lakers Trade for Paul George?
One analyst suggested that a move to his hometown franchise could reinvigorate George’s All-Star performance, particularly alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
“The Lakers would be giving up a massive haul for George, with Christie being the centerpiece,” wrote Matt Levine of Newsweek. “Los Angeles values Christie highly, but adding a player like George could boost their championship aspirations this season. The Lakers’ window with LeBron and Davis is shrinking, so acquiring George maximizes their chances. It’s a gamble, but the Lakers have always been about star power.”
Levine also highlighted how the 76ers could benefit from landing LaVine, who is currently enjoying a standout season with the Bulls.
“It’s been a rough year for the 76ers with injuries, and this season appears to be slipping away,” Levine explained. “The 76ers brought in George to contend for a championship, but it hasn’t worked out. Trading him would free Philadelphia from his long-term contract, and LaVine keeps them competitive while also providing a valuable first-round pick for the future.”
“This deal isn’t perfect for the 76ers, and it’s unlikely they would give up on George so quickly. But in the unpredictable world of the NBA, nothing is off the table.”
Paul George’s Previous Interest in the Lakers
Notably, George, now 34, has had multiple chances to join the Lakers, though circumstances never aligned. In July 2017, George reportedly asked the Indiana Pacers to trade him to the Lakers, but he was sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder instead. He confirmed this request during a 2019 interview with ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk.
Despite his initial desire to play for the Lakers, George opted not to meet with the franchise during 2018 free agency, choosing instead to re-sign with the Thunder.
“The reason I didn’t [meet with the Lakers] was that by the time free agency came, I felt really good in Oklahoma,” George told USA Today in July 2018. “I wanted to come back to L.A., and that part was true. But I felt great about where I was with the Thunder and didn’t want to waste anyone’s time. I decided early to stay and build something there.”
In 2019, the Thunder traded George to the Clippers in a blockbuster deal that included Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a historic collection of first-round picks.
