Payton Chooses to Stay

[DipSetVC]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1826326

[Full Surface]

Damn. He should of went back to Seattle.

[twolvezfanfoever]

Waste of damn money

[jdb]

mark my words, this year if we sign rudy t, payton is gonna have a comeback year....18 ppg 7 apg at least

[Colin]

mark my words, this year if we sign rudy t, payton is gonna have a comeback year....18 ppg 7 apg at least

Exact stats I said I was looking for on .org. Weird.

Anyways, I figure that the offence wasn't the main problem with GP (although it certainly didn't make him better), it was mostly his lack of confidence IMO. This was caused by Phil's constant benching of him in the 4th unless he was having a 20 point game, I understand wanting Derek to pressure the ball and shoot, but at least put Gary in there for 5-6 minutes. One thing I also don't like is when my team mates feel sorry for me if I miss a bunch of shots in a row and start running isolations for me to try and get me going. Just makes me feel like I'm doing a shittier job playing.

Go Gary.

[Andrew]

I too expect Payton to have a better year if he's allowed to play his game rather than submitting to the triangle, though how much he bounces back statistically depends on the rest of the Lakers. If Shaq isn't traded, Payton will still have to sacrifice some shots.

[Macca]

He'll be the solid foundation on what the Lakers will have to rebuild. They now know that 4 star players doesn't win a championship (I know there were issues.. ) But hopefully the Lakers will hire Rudy T since he'll help Payton and the other Lakers - (whoever's left) and lead them to the Playoffs again.

People, only time will tell!

Macca

[matmat8]

Well it can't be worse than the past year
Im sure he will bounce back in an other system...might not be great but still better.

[Fresh8]

On the LAtimes.com website it said that Payton admitted that the triangle and his lack of scoring made him less confident of himself in the Finals... I think this is a sign of age. Payton will never be Payton again. I don't think he has the motivation that he needs to play at his old level nor does he have the passion that many younger players have.

If the Lakers keep Fisher, Payton should sit on the bench behind him. I think he will be more effective coming into games. Maybe it would take more preassure off of his shoulders! If that will make him perform- the Lakers should do that!

Only time will tell if Payton achieves something next season. It also depends on th team LA will bring back for 04-05.

But we will always remember the GLOVE!

[twolvezfanfoever]

I remember the days when he used to be "the glove" Him and Shawn Kemp was wreckin in Seattle.But all the greats should be able to adjust to any system and still be great.MJ didnt start out in the triangle til Phil came,he adjusted and became the greatest ever (correct me if im wrong).It was messed up how GP was gettin outplayed by virtually everybody he faced in hte playoffs and how he just averaged only like 4 points in the finals.Maybe if he averaged like 18 pts and 7 assts durin the playoffs,the finals woulda been alot more interestin.He needs to get his shit together if he plans on actually helpin this team