Oklahoma City’s 28-year-old small forward has spoken in the past of “coming home” to the Lakers only to decide earlier in the summer to stay with the Thunder.

Last month he signed a four-year contract with Oklahoma. George is from Palmdale in California and spent seven years with Indiana Pacers before joining the Thunder last year.

“I wanted to [join the Lakers]. Honestly, I wanted to.” George said.

“I wanted to come back home [in 2017]. I’m 28 and I’ve still got another contract.”

When George was with the Pacers, he repeatedly said that his free agency destination would be the Lakers.

The Thunder appeared to be nothing more than a one-year stopover before George would inevitably sign for Los Angeles. However, he has had a change of heart and now appears to be settled in Oklahoma.

Last season the Thunder suffered a disappointing loss to the Utah Jazz in the playoffs but George has said he enjoys playing with point guard Russell Westbrook at Oklahoma and believes he can help the team enjoy a successful 2018/19.

The Lakers did manage to sign LeBron James this summer but are reported to be extremely disappointed with George’s decision.

James played a key role in taking the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Finals last season and opted to join the Lakers as he has a house and business dealings in Los Angeles.

The Lakers can be backed at 12.00 to win the NBA Finals in 2018/19, while the Thunder are available at 34.00 and the Golden State Warriors at 1.53.