Lake Show Life
Fansided

5 players the Los Angeles Lakers should have never given up on

By Jason Reed

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 07: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls talks with Alex Caruso #6 against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at United Center on November 07, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 07: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls talks with Alex Caruso #6 against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at United Center on November 07, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

3. Gary Payton II

Gary Payton II has not yet played for his new team, the Portland Trail Blazers, as he has been recovering from an offseason surgery that was meant to address a core muscle issue. When he does play, he will showcase himself as the same valuable player that played an important role on the Golden State Warriors last season.

It took Payton time to blossom in the NBA but the potential was always there. It just took the right team to realize that potential and crack into it. That team was the Golden State Warriors, who have made it a habit of getting the most out of every single player on the roster.

The Warriors were the best defensive team in the league last season and Payton played an important role as the team’s best perimeter defender on the bench. When Payton got hurt in the postseason it was obvious that the Warriors missed his defensive presence and when he returned he averaged 18.5 minutes in the NBA Finals.

Payton signed a two-way deal with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2017-2018 season and he definitely showed potential in his short time with the team. While he did not play much and his overall numbers were not great, he had his moments.

In the last game of the 2017-18 season, Payton scored 25 points, grabbed 12 boards and led the Lakers to a win over the Los Angeles Clippers (something that does not happen much anymore). You would think that would be enough for LA to keep him around the next season, right?

Nope. The Lakers just let him walk and sign various training camp and G League contracts. He blossomed into being the G League Defensive Player of the Year and is now one of the best defensive role players in the league.

Home/Lakers News