Shaq boldly predicts LeBron James, Paul George will join Lakers this summer

Scott Gleeson | USA TODAY

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NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal said the Los Angeles Lakers are in line for a major renaissance this summer, and boldly predicted that both LeBron James and Paul George will be donning purple and gold for the 2018-19 season.

“I think Paul George, he's definitely going to the Lakers,” O’Neal said on The Big Podcast with Shaq earlier this week, via NESN. “Him and LeBron. You heard it here first. I’m gonna say this is just my opinion, LeBron, Paul George and there will be a couple of other big names that go to the Lakers organization.”

The Turner Sports analyst played with James for a brief stint on the Cleveland Cavaliers towards the twilight of his career. The Lakers recently honored O'Neal with a statue outside Staples Center.

George, a Palmdale, Calif., native, will be a free agent this summer when his contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder expires. James, who left his hometown team for the Miami Heat in 2010 but returned to bring a championship to the city of Cleveland, is expected to explore free agency and opt out of his contract with the Cavs this summer.