4 former Lakers who thrived last season and 2 who fell flat

By Jason Reed | May 31, 2023

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 04: Talen Horton-Tucker #0 of the Utah Jazz drives into Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a game at Vivint Arena on April 04, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah.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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) – Gary Payton II Lakers /

Former Lakers player who fell flat: Gary Payton II

Gary Payton II did not spend much time with the Los Angeles Lakers but it does not change the fact that there was a sense of FOMO among fans after the Golden State Warriors won the NBA Championship in 2022.

Payton was a very important part of that team as one of the best defensive players on the entire roster. While the threes are flashy, it was the Warriors’ defense that won them that series against the Boston Celtics and Payton was a big component in that.

That got Payton a decent-sized payday from the Portland Trail Blazers, who were hoping to bring that hard-nosed defense in the backcourt alongside Damian Lillard. It never really panned out for Payton in Portland as he dealt with injuries and could not have the same impact.

Thus, when the Warriors called to trade back for Payton at the deadline the Blazers ultimately made the move. Portland made out nicely in this as they got assets from a team for someone who they just signed while the Warriors were hoping to find that defensive impact again.

There were a lot of headlines around Payton’s health that threatened to veto the trade while also delaying his return to the Warriors. He eventually did return but did not have nearly the same kind of impact that he had the year prior.

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