Magic Johnson and the Lakers might be in trouble

The Pacers have accused the Lakers of tampering with Paul George. Peter Vecsey reported that over the weekend; it took a few days for everyone to confirm it and for the NBA to release a statement. (Part of the reason: Vecsey has written some nasty, false things about Lakers boss Magic Johnson in recent years.)

Indiana seems to be alleging that Magic spoke to PG, influencing his decision to tell the Pacers he’d be opting out and joining the Lakers in 2018. That led the Pacers to trade George to the Thunder in June. ESPN’s Bobby Marks and Ohm Youngmisuk explain how the league’s investigation will proceed.

I tend to agree with Kevin O’Connor, who writes that tampering is standard operating practice these days. My take: No star player needs help figuring out that teams want his services and how much money he can make in various cities. So what’s the point?

Tom Lewis frames the Pacers’ complaint as a release valve for the frustration Indiana felt over the sudden Paul George sweepstakes that emerged in June.

Must-read of the week: The great Ben Golliver goes deep with O.J. Mayo on his drug ban and his fight to get back into the NBA.

First there was Hoodie Melo. Now there is Smiling Kawhi.

Nerlens Noel remains unsigned. Now he has Rich Paul as his agent. Shout out to Tristan Thompson and Eric Bledsoe.

Jay Z signals his respect for what LaVar Ball has done with Big Baller Brand.

The Clippers added some firepower to their front office.

Kent Babb asks whether Patrick Ewing can resurrect Georgetown basketball.

Gregg Doyel on the bravery of the WNBA and its players in its social justice positioning.

Good piece from Mike Sykes on John Wall’s charity efforts.

Here’s another Sykes banger: explaining why Adidas is hesitating to give Andrew Wiggins a signature shoe.

Another person who isn’t a fan of FIBA’s new qualification system: legendary Serbian coach Zeljko Obradovic. He also seems quite cross that Nikola Jokic is not participating in EuroBasket 2017.

Speaking of EuroBasket, Giannis Antetokounmpo pulled out under murky injury conditions late last week. The Greek federation responded in just about the worst way. Emmet Ryan writes about how injuries are impacting the tournament.

An anonymous teacher has no chill and tells his students to be a Jordan, not a Durant. Luckily, KD has become the king of Twitter clap back.

A Cleveland shop is ahead of the game, selling merch begging LeBron to stay.

Grizzlies coach Dave Fizdale is crystal clear about the need to remove Confederate memorials from public spaces in Memphis. DeMarcus Cousins, who grew up in Alabama, has a more explicit suggestion for what to do with the monuments.

Phenomenal story from Yaron Weitzman on Malcolm Delaney’s best and worst week ever.

And finally: Thon Maker and Kyle Kuzma’s second cousin Paul Kuzma are good dudes!