Overview

• Gary Payton II joined WME Sports under agent Bill Duffy, who also represents Lakers players Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes.
• Payton won an NBA championship with Golden State in 2022 and is prized for his perimeter defense off the bench.
• Lakers sources say bolstering point-of-attack defense is a top offseason priority under their Luka Doncic-led rebuild.
• Los Angeles intends to waive guard Shake Milton to create space for a defensive-minded free agent on the 15-man roster.
• Operating under tight salary-cap limits, the team has leaned on its mid-level exception, buyouts and agent relationships to fill remaining needs.