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Paul George said the help he got from Russell Westbrook following his All-Star reprimand settles on his up and coming free agency choice simpler to make.
"Russ is the reason why this decision is becoming even more easier to make, is the character Russ [has]," George said on Wednesday. "A stand-up guy, and he has his teammate's back."
Westbrook voiced grievances about the Warriors having four All-Stars, as well as players "complaining about getting snubbed until they get in."
"We were actually joking before he went up there, and I'm like, 'Nah, Russ, man, just let it go, let it go Russ. It is what it is, I wasn't picked,' and he was like, 'Nah, man, P, that's messed up. I'm gonna tell them something about that,'" George said.
"It was awesome for a teammate to have your back and to stand up," he said. "And to be honest, he should be a starter. He's been the MVP, been the best player at his position. He should've been a starter, but that's another story. But the fact Russ had my back, that's my guy forever, and it's more apparent what this decision needs to be made when it comes down to it."
George will be a free agent this offseason and has unequivocally been connected with the Lakers. George is in his first season with the Thunder.