Thunder's George on free agency: 'I can definitely see myself being here'

Paul George is sticking to his guns, which could see him stick with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Asked again about his impending unrestricted free agency, George reiterated his positive feelings for the Thunder, whom he joined last offseason via a trade from the Indiana Pacers.

"I could see myself being here. I've been happy here, I've been happy with the organization, been happy with my teammates," he told reporters Friday.

George, 27, admitted that at 45-34 (tied for fifth in the Western Conference, but seeded sixth due to tie-breakers), the team has been somewhat of a disappointment despite it assembling a Big Three of Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and George. Luckily for the Thunder, George is keeping things in perspective and won't let their early-season struggles and the outcome of this season affect his decision.

Related: George says support from Westbrook eases free-agency decision

"Our record is not what we wanted it to be, but I think I've enjoyed just learning and being around these guys," he said. "So my answer is still the same. I'm not going to let playoffs or how we finish the season persuade or indicate where I'm gonna go this offseason. I'm gonna put everything into this, and again, I can definitely see myself being here.

"This is our first year together, this is Year 1 for this group. We've got a chance to win it all, but realistically it takes time for things to build and chemistry to mesh, and just for everybody to be on the same page. So this wasn't championship or bust coming into this for me. It was just an opportunity to see what it's like to be here and just to naturally fall in love with it. And it's been that. It's been a lot of love here."

Related - George doesn't need a title to stay in OKC: 'It's all about building'

George is averaging 21.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.4 assits, and 2.1 steals over 76 games this year with the Thunder. He has a player option worth $20.7 million for next season, which he already said he's going to decline so he can hit the open market.

The five-time All-Star has said he's looking to "build something" long term with his free-agency decision, and while he's enjoying his time in OKC, he won't rule out his hometown Los Angeles Lakers.