The Los Angeles Lakers overstepped their bounds when it comes to courting Paul George. Today, the NBA announced it has fined the franchise $500K for “tampering.”
The decision came after an independent investigation by law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.
At issue was the conduct involving communications with Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka (who hoops heads will remember as being on the Fab 5’s University of Michigan squad) with Paul George’s agent. The contact, which reportedly involved expressing interest in bring him to the Lakers, was prohibited since George was still under contract with another team.
Reportedly, the Lakers had already been warned following previous comments from Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Lakers President of Basketball Operations, also seeking George’s services.
Paul George was recently traded to Oklahoma City Thunder, but the speculation its just a pit stop before he signs with the Los Angeles Lakers, next season.
We shall see.
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Photo: Nike Basketball
