Watch: Lakers fans boo George during player intros
Lakers fans with a "warm" welcome for PG. (🔊⬆️) pic.twitter.com/5BYnTm1yiF
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 3, 2019
Being a homegrown California native wasn't enough to save Paul George from the boo birds on Wednesday night at Staples Center.
The 28-year-old received a negative reaction from fans during player introductions ahead of his Oklahoma City Thunder facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Staples Center just booed Paul George as loud as I've heard them boo anyone. pic.twitter.com/mhYr0UDoNJ
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) January 3, 2019
The backlash carried over into the action, as George was booed whenever he touched the ball.
George re-signed with the Thunder last offseason, inking a four-year, $137-million contract. He passed on a meeting with the Lakers - a team the five-time All-Star later said he would have joined if the Indiana Pacers didn't deal him to Oklahoma City.
Earlier in the day, George wasn't sure how fans would react to him.
"I'm excited to see what it will be regardless," said George, according to Lakers Nation's Nikki Kay. "I came here to win. That's the only thing I'm worried about."