Paul George has informed the Indiana Pacers he plans on leaving the franchise during his 2018 franchise.

George hasn't requested a trade but his agent, Aaron Mintz, did deliver the news to Kevin Pritchard.

George continues to prefer to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. George could sign a four-year, $130 million deal with the Pacers next summer.

The Pacers could attempt to trade George to the Lakers a season early but their leverage would be limited. George's position that he wants to play for the Lakers has limited the Pacers' ability to trade him.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reports the Lakers do not currently intend to trade any of their young assets in a deal with the Pacers for George.