NBA fines Lakers $500,000 for defying tampering protocol in conjunction with Paul George
LA Lakers fined $500,000.00 for illegally contacting Paul George and violating the NBA tampering rule
Following an investigation by the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz it was determined the LA Lakers did break tampering rules in conjunction with Paul George.
Now that the fine has been imposed more details have been revealed. Initially, thoughts were the Association were focused on Magic Johnson’s comments on Jimmy Kimmel’s late night talk show. Due to this appearance and social media attention it was presumed Johnson was the focus of the investigation. In reality it made little sense the NBA would be so up in arms over Magic Johnson simply joking with Jimmy Kimmel. There had to more to the situation.
Related: NBA investigate Lakers on allegations of tampering with George
Sure enough, it turns out the Lakers’ infraction was more severe. Via a press release the NBA reports the Lakers were given a warning following Johnson’s comments on Kimmel. However, the reason for the investigation was further contact was made. To wit, Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka communicated with George’s agent Aaron Mintz of the CAA Agency. Suffice to say LA were actively and aggressively making their desires known to George.
As per the NBA article they outline the anti-tampering rule as follows:
"The NBA’s anti-tampering rule prohibits teams from interfering with other teams’ contractual relationships with NBA players, including by publicly expressing interest in a player who is currently under contract with another team or informing the agent of another team’s player of interest by one’s own team in that player."
NBA must discipline players:
Ironically this fine comes after the big Mayweather – McGregor fight in Vegas. The reason I bring this up is there were copious sightings of Draymond Green hanging out with Paul George. And, just prior to this happening NBA scribe Tim Kawakami hinted Golden State intend to pursue George in 2018 free agency. This is important to note since Green was the player who openly admitted he recruited Kevin Durant throughout the 2015-16 season. Moreover, Green blatantly bragged of speaking to Durant on the night the Warriors lost the title to Cleveland and confirmed KD’s commitment to Golden State that night.
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If the NBA want to make a statement they need to uphold this rule with players too. Especially players who show no regard for the rule. Hey, no one is ignorant. It’s common knowledge players talk.
Nor is this Thunder fans simply crying over salt rubbed in open wounds. Rather, it’s a matter of the NBA demonstrating consistency in upholding the law. Therefore until the Association is transparent and display constancy in their actions toward players as well nothing will change.
Moving forward, this fine will do nothing to stop the Lakers from pursuing Paul George next summer. For now OKC Thunder fans have at least this season to enjoy his talents and provide him with a reason to stay.