NBA Trade Rumors 2013: All-Star Paul George Talks About Playing Alongside Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make a big splash in the free-agency market next summer after the departure of Dwight Howard. While they are reportedly setting their sights on either LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony, another potential target is Indiana Pacers forward Paul George.

George, who had a breakout season this year, will be a restricted free agent next summer. The 23-year-old forward is projected to be the face of the Pacers franchise for the next several years, but the California native is also reportedly toying with the idea of playing for his hometown team in the future.

The versatile forward, who had his first NBA All-Star Game appearance last season, reiterated that he is currently a Pacer and he is hoping to remain with the organization in the years to come.

"My heart is still in Indiana. I'm still a Pacer, and hopefully I remain a Pacer. I'm happy where I'm at," said George in a recent ESPN radio interview.

However, Pacers fans howled their concern after George said that it will be tough to say no to Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant and that the chance of playing at home is too good to pass up.

"Of course it would be tough to say no to Kobe. You're talking about playing at home," George said.

Since George will be a restricted free agent next offseason, the Pacers have the right to match any offer to the fourth-year forward. The Lakers, on the other hand, will have plenty of cap space next summer.

While this George-to-Lakers rumor looks possible due to the forward's ties in California, Pacers president Larry Bird is confident that their superstar forward will not bolt out of the Pacers, reiterating that they will match any offer, no matter how expensive it is. Bird also revealed that they are already in talks with George about a contract extension.

"We're trying to sign Paul. It's not as easy as it looks. We're going to make a major offer to him. It's going to be up to him whether he accept or not or goes out into the free-agency market. If he does, we're going to match," Bird said in interview with 1070 The Fan, Indianapolis.

Indiana can offer a maximum five-year contract to George, something that other teams cannot give him as stated in the collective bargaining agreement. The Pacers have until Oct. 31 to extend George's stay for five more years.