Los Angeles Clippers star named as potential LeBron James replacement in free agency

LeBron James is likely to leave the Los Angeles Lakers in the offseason following a terrible postseason run. Paul George, an All-Star forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, may be the ideal candidate to take his place if this occurs.

Following his selection by the Indiana Pacers with the 10th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft, George began to make waves in the league. The gifted wing became known as the franchise player in the ensuing years as he guided the team to consecutive postseason trips, even making it to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014.

Following his trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017, the All-Star forward was able to play with point guard Russell Westbrook, but in just their second season together, they reached their ceiling.The Los Angeles Clippers would later acquire him back in 2019 in exchange for a transaction that included Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the ultimate MVP contender.

He did not, however, experience any playoff success during his stint in Los Angeles playing alongside Kawhi Leonard. George can choose to opt out of his contract and become a free agent this year after spending three seasons with the organization. A lot of teams will likely pursue the All-Star forward if he does so.

Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers is considered LeBron James’ replacement in free agency.

LeBron James has the same option as George to choose not to play in the last year of his deal. Based on Chris Herring’s ESPN piece, George could be the best alternative for the King should he decide to depart the Lakers.

It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Lakers act swiftly to keep things together if James were to go. The most obvious method to achieve this would be to maximize George’s potential, as the 34-year-old remains one of the NBA’s top two-way players. He was among the top 10 in the league for defensive deflections with three per game, and he also set a career high with 41.3% of his three-point field goals on almost eight attempts a game,” Herring wrote.

George can still play at a high level for the Purple and Gold despite being younger than James. There’s a strong possibility he can deliver reliable performances every night if given a bigger role with the Lakers.

When George has free will, it’s unclear where he will end up. He will be in a better scenario than he is in with the Clippers if he does wind up joining the Lakers.