The NBA announced on Sunday that it is investigating whether the Los Angeles Lakers unduly interfered in the employment relationship between star Paul George and the Indiana Pacers when there was a contract between two parties.
“The Lakers have been cooperative and there are no completions at this point,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement.
“We have asked both teams to refrain from making statements about the matter while the investigation is under way.” he added.
There is no date determined for the completion of the investigation by law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rose and Katz, New York.
George has played four All-Star games and he is come from Los Angles. The Pacers transferred George to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the current recess of the league after the player indicated that he intended to leave Indiana and become a free agent next summer.
“As the NBA made clear in their statement, we cannot make statements on specific aspects of the current investigation,” Lakers spokeswman Alison Bogli said.
“However, we can confirm that we have fully cooperated with the NBA, with the expection of clearing our name as soon as possible.” Bogli added.
For some time it was menioned that George wanted to be part of the Lakers. According to the NBA relugations, team are prohibited from meddling in the employment relationship of players who isunder contract with another team to take them to their ranks.
Los Angeles Lakers president Magic Johnson. (Source:www.cbsboston.com)
If the Lakers are found to have commited the irregularity, the NBA could impose various sanctions, such as fines, cancellation of the draft players, and suspension of those involved. The improper approach of a team to a player may be directly or indirectly, according to the league.
In an interview given this year by Lakers president Magic Johnson to ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” show, the exjugador didn’t reject the conjectures about a possible future for George with Los Angles.
Kimmel asked Johnson what constitutes an improper approach with a player, and if he would be allowed to talk to George if they both crossed the paths.
“We would greet each other because we know each other,” Johnson said. “ But I cannot say ‘hey, I want you to come with the Lakers’ even though I’d be winking at him. You know what that , means, right?” he added.
