PG13 says Thunder was wise to gamble on him

LAS VEGAS -- Paul George, just down the street from the casinos on the strip, said the Oklahoma City Thunder made the right decision to gamble for him.

"It was an awesome gamble. They went all-in and went blackjack," George said after USA Basketball's minicamp practice Thursday.

George told the Indiana Pacers during the 2016-17 season that he preferred to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in hopes of playing in his native Southern California. The Pacers, however, announced a deal to send the five-time All-Star to the gambling Thunder for guard Victor Oladipo and forward Domantas Sabonis on July 6, 2017.

Despite the fact that George had interest in the Lakers, the Palmdale, California, native…