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Los Angeles Lakers: 10 greatest free agent signings in franchise history

By Matt Leaman

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers holds up the Larry O'Brien trophy after the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics 83-79 in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers holds up the Larry O'Brien trophy after the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics 83-79 in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: 10 greatest free agent signings in franchise history
MEMPHIS – JANUARY 21: Gary Payton #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to drive on Pau Gasol #16 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game at the Pyramid Arena on January 21, 2004 in Memphis, Tennessee. The Grizzlies won 88-82. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Greatest Free Agent Signing All Time – Number 9: Gary Payton

Payton played 13 seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics and half a year with the Milwaukee Bucks before hitting free agency in the summer of 2003. Just like a player that you’ll read in the next slide, Payton was chasing a ring towards the end of his career. During his career with the SuperSonics, he averaged 18.2 points, 7.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game.

He was a player that would bring toughness, defense, and the ability to score to a Lakers team coming off a disappointing season the prior season. Payton had made it clear, he was pursuing an NBA title to finish off his otherwise great career. He will go down as one of the best point guards of all-time, and one of the best defensive point guards to ever play.

He proved his toughness as he played all 82 games during the 2004 regular season. During his only year with the Lakers, he averaged 14.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

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