Lakers cooperating with NBA investigation in hopes of quickly clearing name
The Los Angeles Lakers insist they didn't tamper, and are fully cooperating with the NBA's investigation to prove it.
The league announced Sunday that it's looking into the tampering charges the Indiana Pacers have laid against the Lakers that are reportedly centered on improper contact between team president Magic Johnson and All-Star small forward Paul George.
L.A. issued the following statement later Sunday:
As the NBA's statement made clear, we cannot comment about the specifics of any ongoing investigation. We can confirm, however, that we are cooperating fully with the NBA in the hope of clearing our name as soon as possible.
Related - Magic: I can't ask George to join Lakers, but I'll be 'wink-winking'
If the Lakers are found guilty, it could cost them both cash and future draft assets, and they may be prohibited from acquiring George in the future.
Earlier this offseason, the 27-year-old California native informed the Pacers he won't return following the 2017-18 season and would prefer to play for the Lakers. On June 30, George was dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.
The elite two-way swingman is owed $19.5 million this upcoming season, and can opt out next summer to become an unrestricted free agent. He averaged a career-best 23.7 points last season to go along with 6.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 steals.