LOS ANGELES _ The Los Angeles Lakers are being investigated by the NBA over allegations of tampering with All-Star forward Paul George that were brought forward by the Indiana Pacers, according to several NBA officials who were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.
The investigation, which has been going on since May, stemmed from comments that Magic Johnson made on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" that angered Pacers owner Herb Simon, according to the officials.
Johnson appeared on the late night talk show in April, just weeks after he took over as the Lakers' president of basketball operations, and was asked by Kimmel what he would do if he saw George while on vacation.
"We can say hi because we know each other," Johnson replied. "I just can't say, 'Hey, we want you to come to the Lakers,' even though I'm gonna be wink-winking. You know what that means, right?"
Team officials aren't allowed to make contact with a player or their representatives until the free-agency period opens on July 1.
The Lakers, who along with the Pacers have been told by the league to not comment on the probe, have denied any wrongdoing, according to the officials.
The lawyers from the NBA and the outside counsel the Lakers hired to review the matter each deposed owner Jeanie Buss, Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka in May, according to the officials.
On Sunday, the NBA released a statement saying the Pacers requested the investigation into the tampering allegations.
The NBA said the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is conducting the investigation.
"The Lakers have been cooperative and, at this point, no findings have been made," the league's statement said. "We have asked both teams to refrain from commenting while the investigation is ongoing."
George, who is from Palmdale, Calif., and starred at Fresno State, and his representatives had informed the Pacers that he had planned on opting out of his contract in 2018 to become a free agent with the intent on signing with the Lakers. George was eventually traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in June.
According to several NBA officials, it would be difficult to prove that the Lakers have tampered with George. The officials also said the Lakers could be fined and have draft picks taken away if the tampering allegations are proved.
