Paul George was booed by Los Angeles Lakers fans on Wednesday night, but he says he gets it.
George forced his way out of Indianapolis with the threat that he wanted to sign with the Lakers in free agency. The Pacers traded him to the Thunder, with whom he signed an extension over the summer. Lakers fans didn’t like that, and in George’s first game in front of the Lakers crowd, he was booed.
George still scored 37 in a 107-100 win over the Lakers and was asked about the boos following the game.
“I’m not the only SoCal kid from this area that didn’t play here. But I took it with respect,” George told ESPN after the game. “This is an unbelievable organization. The utmost respect for everybody in their office, for the city. It’s always love here regardless of the boos tonight. It is what it is.”
George came away with the ultimate prize since his team got the win, so he shouldn’t be too bothered. Sometimes it’s nice to be the villain; being booed is a sign of respect. As Reggie Jackson said, they don’t boo nobodies.
