Not a rental: Paul George says Lakers rumor was "overstated," just wants to win

Si.com

People saying I want to come here, who doesn’t want to play for their hometown? That’s a dream come true, if you’re a kid growing up on the outskirts of L.A., to be the man in your city. But it’s definitely been overstated. For me, it’s all about winning. I want to be in a good system, a good team. I want a shot to win it. I’m not a stats guy. I’m playing this game to win and build a legacy of winning. I’ve yet to do that. I’m searching for it. If we get a killer season in Oklahoma, we make the conference finals or upset the Warriors or do something crazy, I’d be dumb to want to leave that.”

“I’m in OKC, so hopefully me and Russ do a good enough job and make it to the conference finals and love the situation, why not recruit someone to come build it with us?

I knew the whole Lakers talk had been overblown. That's why I kept saying Danny should ante up for Paul George. If he joined the Celtics and we were either going to the NBA Finals, winning it, or worst case scenario still in the Eastern Conference Finals, George wasn't leaving that winning situation. Always thought the compromise offer would have been Jae Crowder, Avery Bradley and the Lakers pick (instead of the lesser ones). Indiana reportedly contacted the Celtics before pulling the trigger on the trade with Oklahoma City, but the Celtics didn't want to make an offer (Their last offer was on draft day).

As excited as I am about this team with the additions of Gordon and Tatum, would have loved to have had the weapons to go for a championship this season, which we would of with George in place of Crowder and Morris. No star player chooses to leave Boston. Especially if they are on a winning team. The idea that George would have been a rental here was flawed from the start.