Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George appeared destined to join his hometown Los Angeles Lakers when he hit free agency after the 2017-18 season. That didn’t happen, as George was traded from Indiana to OKC and signed a long-term extension with the club. So, when George, who’s from SoCal, suited up in L.A. he was showered in boos.
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George had the last laugh on those who booed “we don’t need you,” leading the Thunder with 37 points on route to a 107-100 victory over the Lakers.
PG13 took the boos in stride, telling reports he’s got nothing but love for the city regardless of how he was received.
“I’m not the only SoCal kid from this area that didn’t play here,” George said when asked about the boos on Wednesday night. “But I took it with respect. This is an unbelievable organization. [I have] the utmost respect for everybody in their [front] office, for this city. You know, I’m a SoCal native. It’s always love here, regardless of the boos tonight. I mean, it is what it is. I came out here, I played my heart out and I just have fun with it.”
George will be 32 when he hits free agency, so maybe he’ll be in gold and purple one day. For now, he’s the team’s number one enemy. It’s funny how it all played out.
[Complex]
