NBA Free Agency News And Rumors: Fans Plea To Paul George To Sign With The Lakers In 2014 Instead Of A Contract Extension With The Pacers

Jul 23, 2013 08:58 AM EDT
Paul George
Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) drives past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Alexey Shved during the second half of their NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Indiana March 13, 2013"

After rumors emerged about the possibility of Indiana Pacers guard Paul George joining the Los Angeles Lakers, fans have tried their best to recruit the rising star to take on the bright lights of Hollywood, according to Yahoo! Sports.

" 'Paul, are you coming to L.A.? Let's get you in L.A.' That's all I've been hearing since I've been out here," George told Yahoo! Sports after Monday's practice at USA Basketball minicamp.

George will enter his final year of his $3.2 million rookie contract with the Pacers next season. He had a breakthrough season last year averaging career-highs of 17.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists. During the playoffs he averaged 19.2 points while leading the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals, one victory shy from making an NBA Finals appearance.

George, who is a native of California and grew up a Kobe Bryant fan, said the speculation about his future will only continue to grow until he becomes a free agent in 2014.

"Everywhere I go [in L.A.] they say, 'We want you here. Don't sign with the Pacers,' " George said. "I hear that constantly. It's getting a little repetitive ... but I'm getting used to it.

"I understand it. I can't really be mad about it. It's a great feeling when people in the stands really want you."

Although the Pacers can't offer the same luxuries that the Lakers could, George says he's mostly excited about the future he'll have with the Pacers as he looks forward.

"I'm happy to be in Indiana," George said. "I'm happy to be where I am. If I was going to leave Indiana and come to the Lakers, it just wouldn't be a smart move for me. We got a great thing going right now."

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