George opts out, but L.A. no sure thing

Paul George told the Thunder he will opt out of the final year of his contract, first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, setting off a barrage of rumors that he is headed for Los Angeles — potentially teaming up with LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard.

George has long been expected to go to the Lakers this summer. He reportedly told the Pacers last season he planned on signing with Los Angeles, which prompted Pacers general manager Kevin Pritchard to ship George to Oklahoma City in a deal that included Victor Oladipo — who broke out this past season — and Domantas Sabonis.

The Thunder made that deal in hopes they could convince George to stay in Oklahoma City for the long term, playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony. That scenario is reportedly still in play despite the opt-out.

Despite a first-round playoff exit, George has reportedly been impressed by the Thunder’s moves, including signing Westbrook to a massive five-year extension, and has reportedly built a strong relationship with the point guard.

George has been open, saying re-signing with the Thunder is very much an option for him.

“They honestly check the boxes where I needed those boxes to be checked from what a player wants and needs,” George said after the season, according to ESPN’s Royce Young, “out of a front office, out of a medical group, out of teammates, out of coaching staff.”

Other matters could affect whether George ultimately ends up in L.A. — particularly the decisions of James and Leonard. The idea of teaming up with them to play for his hometown team may be too much for George to pass up.

But neither player is a certainty to come to L.A. James is an enigma unto himself and nobody knows whether the Spurs will actually end up trading Leonard, let alone to a conference rival.

The Lakers aren’t the only team pursuing George. The Sixers and Rockets are among several other teams involved, according to Wojnarowski, but Los Angeles is widely considered a front-runner, along with the Thunder.

It seems we won’t know George’s fate until those of James and Leonard become clear.