Lakers fined $500K by NBA for tampering involving George
New Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka’s contact with Paul George’s agent violated the NBA’s antitampering rule and resulted in a $500,000 fine for Los Angeles on Thursday.
The league said a law firm’s independent investigation didn’t find evidence of an agreement or an understanding that the Lakers would sign or acquire George, who was with the Indiana Pacers at the time. George later was traded to Oklahoma City.
“We respect and accept the NBA’s decision regarding this matter,” Pelinka said in a statement. “On behalf of the Los Angeles Lakers, I want to express our regret over this unfortunate incident to both our fans and the NBA.