“That one year, Russ and P grew a great relationship,” Williams says. “With Paul, like, if you don’t mess up a trust with him, he’s definitely going to be down for you 100 percent. And Russ had his back no matter what.” So as a free agent the next summer, George felt more connected to the Thunder than most people expected. The idea of a homecoming to Los Angeles appealed to him, but he was a little miffed the Lakers hadn’t traded for him the year before. He couldn’t deny the bond and loyalty he felt to Westbrook and the Thunder, and he didn’t want to give up on the team after just one season. George re-signed with the Thunder, a four-year, $137 million deal, without even meeting with the Lakers or any other team.