NBA Fines Los Angeles Lakers for Tampering

The Los Angeles Lakers tampering case has been resolved. The Lakers will owe a $500,000 fine for “a prohibited expression of interest” in All-Star forward Paul George, then with the Indiana Pacers, now a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Magic Johnson, Lakers President of Basketball Operations, was the source of the offending comments, according to the press release:

George is playing under a one-year deal with the Thunder with a second year as a player option. He is scheduled to make $19.5 million this season, $20.7 million in 2018-19 if he picks up the option. Failing to do so, he will become an unrestricted free agent. The Lakers are obligated to $41.3 million in salary in the summer of 2018.