King James Gospel
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Can Cavs convince LeBron to help lure PG13 to Cleveland?

By Quenton S. Albertie

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 13: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on February 13, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 13: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on February 13, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Can the Cleveland Cavaliers convince LeBron James to lure Paul George to The Land?

The best way for the Cleveland Cavaliers organization to convince LeBron James that he’s best suited to re-sign with their team in free agency is by adding an All-Star talent, specifically a perimeter playmaker, prior to the start of free agency. With that said, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George is the best sidekick James can find in the offseason.

Last season, while playing on one of the most talented teams of his career, George averaged 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 43.0 percent from the field, 40.1 percent from three-point range and 82.0 percent from the free-throw line.

Those numbers seem like they’re particularly translatable given the similarities in the all-around statistical impact made between James and teammate Russell Westbrook.

For those wondering why the Cavs can’t do it themselves prior to free agency, the word is “tampering.”

For those who wonder why George’s name has to at least be brought up to James, this is the answer: if he’s showing a willingness to stay, you have to keep his attention.

Based on his attempts to convince George to team up with him in Cleveland last summer, James would certainly prefer to stay.

"James aggressively recruited George behind the scenes last summer, selling him on a future together in Cleveland, but the Cavs deal mysteriously fell apart before George was dealt to Oklahoma City."

In convincing George to sign with the Cavaliers, the argument will center on the same topic as what will drive James’ decision-making in the offseason: winning championships. Without James, George will be fighting for playoff or championship contention with the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder respectively.

The Lakers are a young team that will bank on strong showings from  George, Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma more than any other players and though there is enticing young talent in Los Angeles, there’s not enough experience or evidence that they’ll be able to handle the pressures of winning a ring.

The Thunder will likely look better than they had in the 2017-2018 season with a full offseason to integrate their core pieces and build chemistry. However, the road to a ring is tougher in the Western Conference Royal Rumble and no matter how talented they are, the odds of reaching the NBA Finals will be stacked against them considering the talent of the Golden State Warriors dynasty.

Conversely, James will be banking on his eight-year reign in the East as evidence that they’ll reach the NBA Finals and with relative ease if they join forces. James carried the Cavaliers through the postseason with limited perimeter playmakers and an All-Star power forward whose game was running hot and cold. With a reliable go-to option beside him, there would be shades of Kyrie Irving seen in Cleveland — a player whose presence was sorely missed throughout the season and particularly in the NBA Finals.

According to Synergy, James produced (through scoring or facilitating) 258 of the Cavaliers’ 404 points in NBA Finals series. That’s 63.9 percent of his team’s total points.

Irving never had more than 32.5 percent of his field goals come off an assist while he and James were teammates.

Considering that the Cavaliers looked to be just one big piece away from closing the talent gap with the Warriors, acquiring George could lead the team to multiple championship victories during James’ final stretch in Cleveland. A three-position two-way playmaker with a sweet shooting stroke — a 28-year-old five-time All-Star, no less — and has an ultra-athletic 6-foot-9, 222 pound frame is just what the doctor ordered for the Cavaliers.

He fits their switch-heavy scheme on defense, their need for dynamic playmaking on offense and can play either on or off-ball and still be an elite scoring threat.

If George wants to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in his career, his best chance is in Cleveland. Hopefully for the Cleveland Cavaliers, that fact alone can convinced “Prince George” to join forces with “King James.”

Related Story: Should the Cavs target Kemba Walker?

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George would have to be acquired via sign-and-trade, so the Cavaliers will either trade away Kevin Love or a combination of George Hill (two years on contract remaining, $1 million guaranteed in 2019-2020), J.R. Smith ($3.9 million guaranteed in 2019-2020) and possibly the 8th pick of the 2018 NBA Draft.