The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news.
Whether the Lakers find their next superstar from their young core or via free agency is still to be determined.
The Lakers have a few options to add the All-Star forward without trading for him. They're holding the cards, but also face the biggest predicament.
However, by mentioning that he wants to go to the Lakers, it's unlikely that the Pacers will be able to trade him. With only one year left on his deal, George is a rental player. It also already includes the cap hold on Randle's contract.
Let the Paul George saga continue.
The Lakers would still have around $5.5 million and their room mid-level exception to sign free agents.
Thanks to Los Angeles advantage, it can afford to pick and choose who is available in a trade to the Pacers.
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Free agency can be unpredictable.
With his ability to play multiple positions, defend and shoot the 3-pointer, George is just the kind of player who could give the Warriors fits.
George fills two roles for the Jazz that would make that talent deficit much smaller - wing scoring and perimeter defense.
On Monday, the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers finalized a trade that would swap the 1st and 3rd picks, which will solidify the 76ers intentions to draft Markelle Fultz from the University of Washington.
George said last week he expected to play out his contract with the Pacers in 2017-18, shooting down rumors that had him bound for the Cavaliers. That is why the Lakers should strongly consider making a move for Paul George one season early.
It's been a long time since a talented player has been so intent on playing for the Lakers. Any team looking to trade for George knows this, and their offers will reflect accordingly. Other teams can only offer four-year deals at around $130 million.
Additionally, trade value is another concern for Los Angeles. The Lakers can wait for 2018 and clear space to sign PG-13 outright. Either way, Johnson is in the driver's seat of the franchise's future, and with George in tow - either this year or next - the future looks as bright as can be in Los Angeles.
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