Lakers fined $500,000 for tampering

Lakers fined $500,000 for violating league's anti-tampering rules regarding Paul George

The Los Angeles Lakers have been fined $500,000 by the NBA for violating the league’s anti-tampering rules, the league announced Thursday.

The conduct at issue involved Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka communicating with Oklahoma City Thunder star Paul George’s agent, expressing prohibited interest in George while he remains under contract, the NBA announced. The penalty followed a warning given to the Lakers because of comments president of basketball operations Magic Johnson made about George on national television April 20.

The NBA added that the investigation did not reveal an agreement or understanding that the Lakers would acquire George.

A slap on the wrist really, especially after Magic danced the line back in April. A fine that one of the wealthiest franchises in the league can easily make back in ticket and merchandise sales isn't much of a punishment when they were explicitly told "Hey, knock it off, you're getting close to tampering" and then proceeded to blatantly indulge in some tampering anyway.

this will go down as an investment instead of a fine.

The Lakers are slowly becoming one of my favorite teams to watch next season weirdly for the right reasons. I love Lonzo's outlook and cant wait to see him paired up with a superstar. Not sure Paul George fits that bill but we will see how he plays with Russell who is more of selfish player, then with Lonzo who loves sharing. This tampering is music to ear for that reason.

Would be hilarious if George doesn't wind up coming. Sounds like LeBron is coming so who knows if they'll have enough money

Why not both? The top free agents always flock to the Lakers, as the past four or five offseasons have ably demonstrated.

Why not both? The top free agents always flock to the Lakers, as the past four or five offseasons have ably demonstrated.

In case the sarcasm here might have flown over some heads. This is the best FA signings (IMHO) for the past 4-5 yrs by the Lakers.

C- Mozgov
PF - Bass
SF - Deng
SG - KCP
PG - Williams

haha jokes aside... how does Pellinka get busted for this? he a former agent so he should know ways around the rules without getting caught

What's even more weird is George shares the same agent as Randle & D'Angelo Russell. So..how did they even know George was discussed?

D'Lo snitched again.