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5 Blockbuster Trade Scenarios That Could FINALLY Send Paul George To The Lakers In 2025

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The dream of Paul George wearing the purple and gold is far from dead, even after the seismic free agency decision of 2024. As of December 22, 2025, Paul George is currently a star forward for the Philadelphia 76ers, having shocked the NBA world by declining his player option with the Los Angeles Clippers and signing a massive max deal in the summer of 2024. However, the perennial trade rumors linking the Southern California native to the Los Angeles Lakers have not only persisted but have intensified in the 2025-2026 season, fueled by media speculation and the Lakers' ongoing quest to secure a third superstar alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The initial failure of the Lakers to secure George during the 2024 free agency window has only heightened the curiosity and speculation. With the trade deadline approaching and the Lakers' front office under pressure to maximize their championship window, the "Paul George to the Lakers" narrative has shifted from a free agency possibility to a high-stakes, mid-season trade negotiation. The question is no longer *if* the Lakers want him, but *what* they are willing to give up to pry the nine-time All-Star away from the Philadelphia 76ers and Daryl Morey.

Paul George: The Failed Homecoming and Current Contract Status

The saga of Paul George and the Lakers is a story of near-misses, starting with his decision to re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2018 instead of coming home to Los Angeles. The latest chapter, however, took place during the pivotal 2024 NBA Free Agency period.

  • Full Name: Paul Clifton George
  • Nickname: PG13, Pandemic P
  • Born: May 2, 1990 (Age 35 as of December 2025)
  • College: Fresno State
  • NBA Draft: 10th overall in 2010 by the Indiana Pacers
  • NBA Teams: Indiana Pacers (2010–2017), Oklahoma City Thunder (2017–2019), Los Angeles Clippers (2019–2024), Philadelphia 76ers (2024–Present)
  • Current Contract: Four-year, $212 million maximum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers (Signed July 2024)
  • 2025-2026 Salary: Approximately $51.67 million
  • Key Decision Point: Declined his $48.8 million player option with the Clippers in June 2024 to become an unrestricted free agent.

The Shockwave of the 2024 Free Agency

In June 2024, Paul George faced a critical decision: opt into his $48.8 million player option for the 2024-2025 season with the Clippers or decline it and hit the open market. The Clippers, hesitant to offer him the full four-year max extension he desired, ultimately lost their gamble. George declined the option and quickly signed a massive $212 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, forming a new superstar duo with Joel Embiid. The Lakers, who were reportedly interested in him as a free agent target to form a "Big Three," were left empty-handed once again.

This move cemented George’s place in the Eastern Conference and seemingly ended the Lakers' hopes. However, the nature of the NBA salary cap and the constant pressure to win in Los Angeles means no star is ever truly off-limits, especially when trade assets are available.

Why The Lakers Are Still Desperate For A Paul George Trade

Despite the failed free agency attempt, the Lakers’ fundamental need for a player of Paul George's caliber has not changed. The team’s championship window with LeBron James is closing, and a consistent, two-way wing is the missing piece of the puzzle. George, a nine-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA selection, provides elite scoring, playmaking, and perimeter defense—a perfect fit next to the interior dominance of Anthony Davis.

  • Two-Way Star Power: George is one of the few players who can credibly guard the opposition's best perimeter player while also being a primary scoring option.
  • Offensive Synergy: His ability to shoot over 40% from three-point range in recent seasons would be a massive boost to the Lakers' spacing, alleviating pressure on James and Davis.
  • Local Appeal: As a Southern California native, the narrative of "bringing George home" is a powerful marketing and emotional driver for the franchise and its fanbase.
  • Immediate Impact: George is a proven playoff performer who would immediately elevate the Lakers from a contender to a title favorite in the Western Conference.

5 Blockbuster Trade Scenarios to Bring PG13 to the Lakers in 2025

With Paul George now under contract with the 76ers until 2028, the only path to the Lakers is via a trade. The Lakers' primary assets for a star trade are their future first-round draft picks, most notably the 2029 and 2031 picks, and their most valuable young player, Austin Reaves. Here are the most talked-about, high-leverage trade proposals currently circulating in December 2025.

1. The Austin Reaves & Draft Pick Mega-Deal

This is the most common and likely scenario, pairing the Lakers' best young asset with their available draft capital to match George’s massive salary. The 76ers, under General Manager Daryl Morey, are known for prioritizing future assets and cap flexibility.

  • Lakers Receive: Paul George, Eric Gordon (for salary matching)
  • 76ers Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, 2029 Unprotected First-Round Pick, 2031 Unprotected First-Round Pick
  • Analysis: This deal gives Philadelphia a high-upside young guard in Reaves, a solid forward in Hachimura, and two valuable, distant first-round picks to build their next phase around Joel Embiid or replenish their asset pool.

2. The Multi-Team Zach LaVine Swap

In this complex scenario, the Philadelphia 76ers look to offload George's contract for a different star while the Lakers finally get their man. Zach LaVine, who has been the subject of numerous trade rumors, is the key third-party player.

  • Lakers Receive: Paul George, 2028 Second-Round Pick (from 76ers)
  • 76ers Receive: Zach LaVine (from Bulls), Jarred Vanderbilt (from Lakers), 2029 Top-10 Protected First-Round Pick (from Lakers)
  • Bulls Receive: Salary Filler/Young Players (from 76ers), Draft Picks (from 76ers)
  • Analysis: The 76ers get a younger star in LaVine to pair with Embiid, while the Lakers use Vanderbilt and a protected pick to finally acquire George.

3. The 'All-In' Pick-Heavy Offer

If the Lakers are unwilling to part with Austin Reaves, they must maximize the value of their draft picks and other contracts. This scenario requires the 76ers to value immediate cap relief and draft capital over a young player.

  • Lakers Receive: Paul George
  • 76ers Receive: D'Angelo Russell (Sign-and-Trade or Opt-in), Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 Unprotected First-Round Pick, 2031 Unprotected First-Round Pick, Two Future Second-Round Picks
  • Analysis: This deal is riskier for the Lakers, as Russell's contract is harder to move, but it keeps Reaves. The 76ers get a starting point guard and maximum draft control.

4. The Mid-Season Distress Sale

If the 76ers struggle to integrate George and Embiid, or if George expresses a desire to return to Los Angeles, the trade value could drop by the February 2026 trade deadline. The Lakers would pounce with a slightly lower offer.

  • Lakers Receive: Paul George
  • 76ers Receive: Austin Reaves, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 Top-5 Protected First-Round Pick
  • Analysis: This offer is predicated on the 76ers facing internal turmoil. It gives them a solid return but with a protected pick, reflecting the distressed nature of the trade.

5. The Rich Paul/Klutch Sports Factor

While not a trade asset, the influence of George's agent, Rich Paul (who also represents LeBron James and Anthony Davis), cannot be ignored. Paul's ability to facilitate deals for his clients could pressure the 76ers into accepting a trade that sends George to a preferred destination like the Lakers.

The "Paul George to the Lakers" storyline is an enduring one that has already survived multiple offseasons and contract decisions. Now that George is locked into a long-term contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, the only viable path for the Lakers is a trade. Given the team's relentless pursuit of a third star to compete for a championship, the likelihood of a blockbuster trade before the 2026 deadline remains incredibly high, keeping the dream of a true homecoming for PG13 alive.

paul george to the lakers
paul george to the lakers

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