Lakers Targeting Warriors NBA Champion Guard in Free Agency: Report

The Lakers could be looking to add this guard for their backcourt depth.

Feb 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (7) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and guard Gary Payton II (0) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are still looking around for some bench depth. Particularly, they are looking for some depth on the perimeter. They need guys who can help on the defensive end of the court.

With how bad the defense was for the Lakers in the playoffs, they clearly have to improve it at the point of attack. The Lakers need guys who can help stop guards from getting into the paint.

There aren't too many of those guys left on the open market, especially at a cheap number. One player they have been looking at is Gary Payton II.

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The Lakers have been linked to adding Payton II, but it's unclear if there is a deal that could be getting done soon.

There were some whispers connecting Gary Payton II to the Lakers even before he signed with Bill Duffy. I can safely say he's very much on the Lakers' radar.

— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) July 18, 2025

Los Angeles could be wary of adding another guard to the bench unit who has a history of injuries. Gabe Vincent has already missed a ton of games since signing with LA because of injuries.

Injuries have hit Payton II hard over the last few seasons, as he has only played in 128 of a possible 228 games over the last three seasons. He hasn't been able to stay on the court.

That diminished value might be why the Lakers would be able to afford him. They could get him on a very cheap deal, which could end up being a bargain if he is able to finally stay healthy.

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Losing Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets puts them in a position where they have to find someone who can be the premier perimeter defender for the team.

Adding Payton II would be a good low-risk, high-reward signing if they can bring him in on a cheap contract.

This past season for the Warriors, Payton II averaged 6.5 points, three rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He shot 57.4 percent from the field and 32.6 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.

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