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Paul George: I'll give Thunder my best this year 'and see what happens after'

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

Newly ensconced as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Paul George hasn't had much to say about the NBA's investigation of alleged tampering involving himself, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Indiana Pacers.

George was rolling with Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green on Friday at the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor weigh-in however, and was asked about the rumor he'll end up with his hometown Lakers after this season.

"We'll see," George told Showtime's Jim Gray. "I'm a Thunder, and my job is to give them the best I have this year and see what happens after that."

The last word is the Lakers were cooperating with the NBA's investigation that the organization violated the league's strict tampering rules, apparently stemming from comments made by team president Magic Johnson on "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

It's no secret the Lakers will have cap space next summer, and L.A. County native George will be a likely target - should he opt out of his contract. The Thunder assumed the risk of trading for George knowing he will likely go into unrestricted free agency next summer, but didn't pay a particularly steep price by doing so in giving up Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.

That return was indicative of the limited market for George, given the widespread belief he's ultimately headed for L.A. - something his former team, the Pacers, had little choice but to make do with.

George again reiterated Friday that he has nothing but respect for the Pacers.

"I grew up there, I became a man there, a lot of obstacles I overcame there, and they had my back," he said. "I love Indiana."

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