George remains a Laker!

After traveling to Washington,Chicago,Minnesota,New Jersey and Utah,Devean George finally decided to stay in Los Angeles,agreeing to a four-year,$21 million deal with the world champion Lakers on Wednesday.

George's agent,Mark Bartelstein,confirmed the agreement Wednesday afternoon.George got the full mid-level exception from the Lakers -- $21 million was the most they could pay the 6-foot-8 forward.The contract includes an option for George after year 3.

He probably took a few years less than he could've gotten elsewhere,Bartelstein said.But this is where he wanted to be.The Lakers were his first choice.

George could've signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves or Utah Jazz for six years,according to Bartelstein.

George has spent the better part of the last two weeks trying to find a situation that would allow him to spread his wings a bit.Both the T-Wolves and the Jazz were willing to offer similar contracts to George,but in the end,sources say George felt that the situation in L.A. suited him the best.

The 1999 first-round pick enjoyed his best season during 2001-02 campaign,averaging 7.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in 21.5 minutes a game for the Lakers.George's stock really rose in the playoffs,particularly in the NBA Finals.

Against the New Jersey Nets,George gave L.A. a spark off the bench,averaging 5.0 points 3.6 rebounds and coming up with 11 points,six boards and two blocks in 20 helpful minutes in the title-clinching Game 4 win.

ESPN.com