OT - Payton a Laker.

[The Evil Genius]

Report: Payton Agrees to Join Lakers
24 minutes ago


EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - Gary Payton (news) has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers (news), ESPN.com reported Tuesday.

The Lakers declined comment on the report, but a team spokesman told The Associated Press that general manager Mitch Kupchak would make a statement later Tuesday or Wednesday.

The free-agent guard severed ties with his former team, the Milwaukee Bucks (news), on Monday. He and other free agents are not allowed to sign contracts until July 16.

Payton's agent, Aaron Goodwin, told ESPN.com that the longtime member of the Seattle SuperSonics (news) has chosen the Lakers.

"He could have taken a lot more money to go somewhere else," Goodwin said. "But he's going to Los Angeles to follow his dream."

Goodwin didn't immediately return calls made by The Associated Press.

Payton, who was dealt by Seattle to Milwaukee at last season's trade deadline, would be limited to earning $4.9 million with the Lakers in the first year of a multiyear contract.

Portland and Miami were also reportedly trying to sign Payton, a nine-time All Star and one of the league's best defensive guards.

Bucks general manager Larry Harris said Monday that Payton declined to stay with Milwaukee.

Payton started 28 games for the Bucks, averaging a team-high 19.6 points and 7.8 assists.

[Trevor]

It's great news especially considering the Kobe situation. Got the feeling we're going to be hearing a lot more Laker hating now. If that's possible. Next up Karl Malone.

[The Wicked Wop]

Definately elevated themselves back to the top of the NBA.

[Buford]

the Spurs step it up to sign Kid and O'Neil....and still repeat.

[luckydevil]

How can they afford Kidd and O'neil

[Phat Hog]

NJ will retain Kidd - they have too much $$$ in the pot to let him go at this point in his career.

Laker haters unite :laugh:

[Trevor]

O'neal is going back to Indiana. Kidd is most likely going back to New Jersey. Even if the Spurs sign Kidd it doesn't scare me as he doesn't fit their offense. The Spurs play a half court offense and Kidd is much better as a full court player. With Juwan Howard likely to goto the T-Wolves it looks like the Spurs will have to settle for maybe a PJ Brown and someone else.

[Golgo-13]

See: Redskins, Washington 2000; Rangers, New York 2002-2003; Trailblazers, Portland 1999-2001. Multipule all-stars do not always a champion make. That will be some HUGE egos to balance in that locker room, especially if Malone comes to town. I hope he does because he will rock the boat. Not to mention that Shaq is no longer a sure thing like he was 3 years ago. His body is wearing down on him and he is obviously losing interest in the game as a whole. No doubt this team has potential to reach the stratosphere if they hit it with all cylindars going, but it is by no means a gimmie.

[jbooma]

Originally posted by Golgo-13
See: Redskins, Washington 2000; Rangers, New York 2002-2003; Trailblazers, Portland 1999-2001. Multipule all-stars do not always a champion make.

True but you are talking about the 2 best players in the NBA with payton now, if they get malone for the PF, the might go after the alltime win record. Payton gives them the defense and assist man they need and haven't had.

[Golgo-13]

Originally posted by jbooma


True but you are talking about the 2 best players in the NBA with payton now, if they get malone for the PF, the might go after the alltime win record. Payton gives them the defense and assist man they need and haven't had.

Yes, that's all fine and dandy and they have potential to do great (from a Laker fan's standpoint) things. All I'm saying is that it is by no means a gimmie. Not to mention that the Spurs won't be sitting on their hands (they have THE best player in the NBA by the way) and Dallas is only getting better as well. If Dallas ends up signing Zoe and he is even half of what he used to be, look out. It is going to be very interesting in the West this year.

[TennesseeCarl]

What will Payton and Malone's respective legacies be if they fail to win a championship with the Lakers?

As much as I've liked both of these guys over the years (and I respect their willingness to accept less $ for a ring), my distaste for the Lakers will force me to delight in every Laker loss. I realize there may not be many of those.

[Golgo-13]

From what I have been reading on NBA message boards many of the Laker fans are already ready to fit the Championship rings next year. In my opinion this will be one of two things, a HUGE success or a HUGE failure. No in between. Bottom line, if they win it all, it's a huge success, if not it's a huge failure.

[jbooma]

Originally posted by Golgo-13
they have THE best player in the NBA by the way


I disagree, when Shaq is healthy there is no one better then him, no one can handle him. Since he hasn't been healthy you are right in saying that Duncan is the best.

[Gamebreaker]

Duncan dominates without the help of refs, sorry, Duncan is still the best regardless of Shaq's health.

[js79]

might as well jus get rid of the eastern conference