Lakers News: Paul George Wishes LeBron James Played Against Thunder

Corey Hansford
3 Min Read
Garrett Ellwood-NBAE via Getty Images

Paul George stepped into Staples Center for the first time since choose to re-sign with the Oklahoma City as opposed to teaming up with LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite all of the boos coming from the crowd, George was dominant, scoring 37 points in leading the Thunder to a 107-100 victory over the Lakers.

Unfortunately, James did not suit up for the Lakers as he continues to recover from a strained groin, robbing fans of the continuation of a long-time rivalry. The two met in the playoffs on four separate occasions when George was a member of the Indiana Pacers.

He typically gave James his toughest matchup in those clashes. Naturally, George wished James had been available to play Wednesday night.

“As a competitor and just classic matchups I’ve had with LeBron, of course I wanted to play against him,” George said following the win. “I don’t want the easy way out.

“Of course I want to take that challenge and just have fun playing the game against the best. But, it happens. He’s got to rest. We’ll get our matchups. We’ll have our fun playing against one another.”

James has only begun to get back on the court by getting up shots, but not yet practicing. The Lakers are 1-3 in his absence, but still remain patient with his return as they can’t afford to aggravate the injury further and put James out even longer.

George won’t have to wait too long for his chance to face James as the Lakers head to Oklahoma City for a rematch with the Thunder on Jan. 17. Hopefully by that time, James will be fully healed and back on the court giving the Lakers the help they need to overcome the Thunder.

Reminder: Vivid Seats is the Official Ticket Reseller of LakersNation.com. New Customers use “LAKERSNATION” (all CAPS) in the Vivid Seats App on your phone and get 10% off any Lakers home game ticket order for the remainder of the season.

Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.
Exit mobile version