The Los Angeles Lakers remain active in their efforts to bolster their roster this offseason. With Bradley Beal signing with the Clippers, the Lakers have shifted focus away from star-level targets and are now concentrating on adding dependable guard depth. One notable free agent drawing attention is Gary Payton II, who briefly played for the Lakers in 2018 during his early NBA career. Although he appeared in only 11 games with Los Angeles, Payton has since developed into a valuable player, primarily with the Golden State Warriors.
Recently, Payton made a strategic change by switching his representation to WME Sports, where his new agent is Bill Duffy. This move is significant because Duffy already represents three Lakers players: Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, and most notably, Luka Doncic. Duffy’s representation of multiple Lakers players is unique, as he does not hold more than two clients on other teams. This connection fuels speculation that Payton could reunite with Los Angeles during the ongoing free agency period.
Defensive Strength as a Priority for the Lakers
Despite Payton’s modest offensive numbers—averaging 5.5 points per game and shooting 34% from three-point range—his defensive abilities stand out. The Lakers have expressed a need for improved “point of attack” defense, which aligns well with Payton’s skill set. According to reports from The Athletic’s Dan Woike and Joe Vardon, the Lakers are prioritizing defensive upgrades and have an available roster spot that could open if they waive guard Shake Milton.
The Lakers have additional roster work to do. The team can create a roster spot by waiving guard Shake Milton, and team sources have said that improving the team’s point of attack defense is a priority,
Woike and Vardon wrote.
With scoring talents like Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves already on the roster, the Lakers seem committed to bolstering their defense after lapses in effectiveness late last season. Adding Payton, who consistently impacts the defensive end, would address this need. The fact that Payton shares an agent with Doncic and other Lakers increases the likelihood of fruitful discussions around his return.
Lakers’ Positive Experience Working with Agent Bill Duffy
The Lakers likely view their relationship with Bill Duffy favorably. Duffy negotiated a two-year, $16.2 million contract for Deandre Ayton, which Yahoo Sports highlighted as one of the best deals of the offseason. This successful negotiation reinforces the potential benefit of working with Duffy again on new roster moves.
I get that the Blazers paid him $25.6 million not to play for them this season,
Ben Rohrbach observed.
I get that he has underwhelmed as a recent No. 1 overall pick, often demonstrating a lack of commitment to his team. But if he can recommit to the brand of basketball that made him an invaluable member of the Phoenix Suns’ 2021 NBA Finals run — protecting the rim, running in transition, finishing around the basket and setting hard screens in the pick-and-roll for the Lakers’ three best players — he should easily exceed his value.
This assessment underscores Ayton’s potential impact if he fully embraces the team’s style and intensifies his defensive and transitional play, elements critical to the Lakers’ success. Having an agent like Duffy who understands the Lakers’ culture could prove advantageous in ongoing negotiations, including those possibly involving Gary Payton II.
Potential Impact of a Payton Reunion on Lakers’ Championship Aspirations
The prospective reunion between the Lakers and Gary Payton II carries more than sentimental value. Payton’s father, NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, had a significant career with the Lakers, and the organization gave Payton II one of his initial NBA opportunities. Adding a defender with Payton II’s capabilities would improve the Lakers’ roster balance, allowing their star scorers to focus more on offense while relying on strong defensive support from the bench.
As the Lakers navigate the final days of free agency, securing a player of Payton’s defensive caliber could be a crucial step in their quest to return to championship contention. The shared agency connection among Lakers players and Payton presents a convenient channel for discussions, making a reunion a plausible outcome soon. With the team eager to fill its defensive gaps, fans can expect the Lakers to continue exploring all avenues that strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season.
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