The whispers around the NBA are rarely ever meaningless. When a name like Gary Payton II begins to swirl in discussions involving the Los Angeles Lakers, fans and analysts alike take notice. After all, the echoes of his Hall of Fame father, Gary Payton, loom large in Laker lore and NBA history. The idea of a “second Gary Payton” possibly donning purple and gold raises eyebrows not just because of nostalgic symmetry, but because Gary Payton II could offer exactly what the Lakers need: defensive grit, tenacity, and a stabilizing force on the perimeter. With recent reports confirming that Payton II has joined the agency WME Basketball — the same agency representing Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes — it’s fair to wonder whether the Lakers are taking notice. And if they are, should they act on it?
Before diving into the implications of this potential move, it’s important to understand Gary Payton II as a player. He’s not the flashiest scorer, nor is he the type of player whose impact jumps off the stat sheet. But what Payton II does bring is arguably more important in a league oversaturated with offensive talent: elite defensive effort, positional versatility, and championship DNA. A vital cog in the Golden State Warriors’ 2022 NBA title run, GP2 made a name for himself by guarding positions 1 through 3, hounding opposing guards, and thriving in a high-IQ defensive system. His impact on a team’s defensive culture is measurable, not just in analytics, but in energy and tone. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, the same chip that carried his father to nine NBA All-Defensive First Team selections.
The Lakers, on the other hand, are at a crossroads. The 2025 offseason has been a turbulent one in Los Angeles. With LeBron James re-signing but hinting at a limited window for further championship contention, the front office is under pressure to build a supporting cast that can compete now. The 2024-2025 season exposed several glaring weaknesses in the Lakers’ roster construction, none more troubling than their perimeter defense. Despite having Anthony Davis anchor the paint, the Lakers were carved up by teams with quick guards and shifty wings. D’Angelo Russell, despite his offensive gifts, was a frequent target defensively. Austin Reaves showed promise but struggled with consistency against elite scorers. Even Rui Hachimura and Cam Reddish, both athletic and long, lacked the lateral agility to stay in front of explosive backcourt players.
Enter Gary Payton II. His addition wouldn’t require the Lakers to reinvent their offense, nor would it demand a high usage role. Instead, he would slide into a role that many teams desperately need but few adequately fill: defensive specialist with championship experience. The Lakers, under head coach Darvin Ham, have emphasized switchable defense and positional flexibility, two qualities that Payton II embodies. His arrival could give the Lakers a version of what Alex Caruso once gave them — perimeter defensive security, hustle, and low-maintenance contribution — but with even more athleticism and perhaps greater upside when paired with the right roster.
Payton II’s recent switch to WME Basketball is intriguing in this context. Agencies often play a larger role in facilitating trades and signings than the public realizes. When an agency represents multiple clients on a single team, or players with a history of collaboration, there’s potential for synergy. For example, WME also represents Jaxson Hayes, who, while not a star, has become an important rotational piece for the Lakers. Their mutual representation could lay the groundwork for strategic conversations about roster needs, playing time, and fit. In an era where agencies can act like shadow GMs, moving to WME could suggest that GP2 is positioning himself for a shift to a high-profile market — and none are more glamorous than Los Angeles.
Another layer to consider is the cost of acquisition. Gary Payton II is not a max-level player, nor would he command such a contract. However, the Lakers are already facing cap constraints. With LeBron and AD’s contracts anchoring the books, and players like Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent on mid-level deals, the front office would need to be creative. Any pursuit of GP2 might involve a sign-and-trade or the movement of an existing player. This raises the question: who would the Lakers be willing to give up?
Some rumors suggest that LA might be open to moving off of players like Jarred Vanderbilt or even Cam Reddish to create room for someone who fits a more pressing need. While Vanderbilt is a capable defender, injuries have derailed his reliability. Reddish has tantalizing potential but has yet to deliver consistently. Packaging one of them, along with a second-round pick or a trade exception, might be enough to get a deal done if the Warriors or another team are willing to cooperate. Alternatively, the Lakers could explore a veteran minimum contract for Payton II if the market softens around him, but that scenario is less likely unless GP2 is intent on chasing a ring over financial gain.
Beyond the finances, the fit is what matters most. The Lakers have tried over the past few seasons to assemble a roster that complements LeBron’s aging but still potent skill set. That means surrounding him with defenders who don’t require the ball to contribute. Gary Payton II fits that mold to perfection. He thrives in motion, cuts to the rim with purpose, and has developed a keen sense of timing on weakside rotations and fast breaks. He’s not going to hit five threes in a game, but he doesn’t have to. He can change the momentum with a single block, a well-timed steal, or an offensive rebound that results in an extra possession.
Let’s not forget the optics, either. The idea of a “second Gary Payton” suiting up for the Lakers would captivate fans and draw media attention. His father played for the Lakers in the early 2000s, teaming up with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant during the ill-fated 2003-04 superteam era. That team fell short of a title, losing to the Detroit Pistons, but it embedded the Payton name in Laker history nonetheless. For the younger Payton to return and potentially help the Lakers capture another title would be poetic — and deeply marketable. In a league that thrives on narratives, this one would be golden.
The move could also send a message to the rest of the Western Conference. Teams like the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves have thrived on gritty perimeter defense. The Lakers need to evolve or risk falling behind. Relying solely on aging stars or offensive talent is no longer sufficient in a league that demands switchability, effort, and physicality. Gary Payton II may not be the lone solution, but he’s a necessary piece to the defensive puzzle.
There is also the question of durability. Payton II has dealt with his fair share of injuries, and any team acquiring him needs to weigh his availability against his value. That said, his injury history isn’t career-threatening, and he’s shown the ability to bounce back quickly. Given the right medical staff and load management strategy — something the Lakers have employed well with their stars — he could remain productive for several more seasons.
From a locker room standpoint, GP2 would also be a valuable addition. By all accounts, he’s well-liked, professional, and understands his role. He doesn’t complain about minutes, doesn’t try to hijack the offense, and brings intensity to practices and games alike. With a roster full of personalities, including LeBron, Anthony Davis, and possibly some young emerging stars, having someone like Payton II — focused, humble, and defensively minded — could be a glue guy who holds it all together.
But again, nothing comes without sacrifice. The Lakers might need to say goodbye to a fan-favorite or cut bait on a promising but inconsistent player. That’s part of the calculus. However, for a team that’s trying to maximize the final productive years of one of the greatest players of all time, bold moves are not just optional — they’re mandatory. Adding Gary Payton II wouldn’t be a headline-stealing blockbuster. It would be a strategic, under-the-radar acquisition with outsized potential to shift playoff outcomes. Think Bruce Brown with the Nuggets, or Derrick White with the Celtics. These are not superstars, but they are the difference between a second-round exit and a Finals berth.
And make no mistake: Payton II knows how to perform under pressure. In the 2022 Finals, he was assigned to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown at various points, and he held his ground. His ability to switch, absorb contact, and contest shots without fouling is rare. On a Lakers team that often gives up too many open threes or struggles to contain dribble penetration, his presence would be a stabilizing force. He doesn’t overplay, doesn’t gamble unnecessarily, and rarely gets caught out of position. Those are hallmarks of elite defensive intelligence — the kind that only comes from experience and coaching lineage.
Then there’s the potential mentorship element. Gary Payton II could serve as a model for young Lakers players like Jalen Hood-Schifino or even Max Christie. Teaching them the art of on-ball defense, how to anticipate instead of react, and how to bring effort every night is invaluable. It’s the kind of development that doesn’t show up in a box score but pays dividends over time.
Of course, all of this hinges on whether the Lakers actually make a move. The interest may exist, but timing and opportunity are everything in the NBA. Free agency dominoes, draft decisions, and unexpected trades can all shift the landscape. But if the Lakers see an opening to bring in Gary Payton II at a reasonable cost, they should jump on it. His presence could elevate their defensive ceiling and inject new life into a team desperate to return to championship form.
In conclusion, the possibility of a second Gary Payton joining the Lakers is more than just an interesting storyline. It’s a potential strategic masterstroke. With elite defensive instincts, a team-first attitude, and the DNA of a champion, Gary Payton II could be the kind of player who helps the Lakers regain their edge. The Lakers don’t need another scorer or flashy name — they need someone who’s willing to do the dirty work, fight through screens, dive for loose balls, and hold others accountable on the defensive end. Gary Payton II is all of that and more. Whether the Lakers make the move remains to be seen, but if they do, it could prove to be one of the smartest decisions of the offseason.
