Home / Sports / Lakers Pursue Elite Defender Gary Payton II to Bolster Title Hopes
Lakers Pursue Elite Defender Gary Payton II to Bolster Title Hopes
22 Jul
Summary
- Lakers targeting free agent Gary Payton II, one of the best remaining on-ball defenders
- Payton has championship experience and could provide a defensive boost off the bench
- Lakers face competition from other teams to sign Payton
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in the midst of shaping their roster for the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season. While their projected starting lineup of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and DeAndre Ayton looks formidable, the Lakers are still seeking to add key role players to compete for an NBA championship in the highly competitive Western Conference.
One of the Lakers' primary free agency targets is Gary Payton II, a defensive specialist who has generated interest from several teams, including the Bucks, Heat, Suns, and potentially a return to the Warriors. Payton is considered one of the best remaining on-ball defenders in the free agent market, and his addition could prove crucial for the Lakers in the playoffs.
While the Lakers face stiff competition to sign Payton, his defensive prowess, championship experience, and complementary offensive skills could make him a valuable asset for the team. Payton's cutting and lob-catching abilities would be enhanced playing alongside playmakers like Doncic and James, and his three-point shooting has also improved in recent seasons.
The Lakers' pursuit of Payton is primarily driven by his defensive abilities, as he has demonstrated the ability to be a lockdown defender against some of the league's top players. If the Lakers are able to secure Payton's services, it would be a significant step towards their goal of an NBA championship.
