Gary Payton II is sitting in free agency waiting for someone to give him a chance for the 2025-26 season. By all means, the former Los Angeles Lakers hidden gem is owed that opportunity from at least one of the 30 NBA franchises in the league.
This gem was one who certainly proved to be hidden during his time on the Lakers. Payton signed a two-way contract with the team during the 2017-18 season.
In the 11 games played for the Lakers during that campaign, the defensive-minded guard averaged 3.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, shooting 41.5 percent from the field. It was not clear how good of a pro Payton would be until landing with a Pacific Division Rival.
Payton burst onto the scene in the 2021-22 season with the Golden State Warriors. The son of the Hall of Famer averaged a career-high 7.1 points and 1.4 steals per game off their bench, firmly establishing himself as an NBA-caliber role player.
Lakers and NBA contenders should monitor Payton's free agency
2022 also proved that Payton could be a strong contributor for a championship contender. The Warriors' run in the NBA Playoffs culminated in a title, and the defensive stopper shined when called upon.
Payton averaged 6.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game off the bench. The explosive guard shot 65.9 percent from the field, and 53.3 from beyond the arc, selectively picking his spots to find offense.
The Warriors offered Payton an opportunity to find his niche as an effective slasher offensively and hard-nosed defender on the other end. This was his skill set to bring value at the NBA level.
Payton briefly left the Warriors after that championship run, before reuniting via trade in the very next season. That is where the tenacious guard has spent his career since.
2024-25 was another solid campaign for Payton. The Warriors guard averaged 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, shooting 57.4 percent from the field.
Despite that, Payton presently remains unsigned on the free agent market. The Warriors have been held up by the Jonathan Kuminga situation and have not made any significant offseason moves thus far.
Enter the Lakers?
Rob Pelinka and his front office has been reported to be hunting an upgrade to their point of attack defense. Payton would be someone who can adequately fill that role. However, internal improvements may also get them that part of the way there.
Still, if it's not the Lakers then someone should pounce at the opportunity before free agency expires. Western Conference contenders looking to get the edge over one another should not overlook the rotational boost that Payton can offer.
