Gary Payton II to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers

It appears that former Oregon State star, Gary Payton II, is headed to LA. The Los Angeles Lakers have been looking to add another player ever since cutting Andrew Bogut. They almost had a deal Jamil Wilson until legal troubles scared the Lakers off. Wilson’s loss is Gary Payton II’s gain though as he is expected to sign with the team according to Shams Charania.

Payton II is set to join the team on a two-way contract and is expected to be with the Lakers, in Memphis, for their road game tomorrow night. Payton II has spent most of his time in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks, but Bucks they ended up waived him a few weeks ago. He played 12 games for them this season and even started a few times. He averaged 2.5 points, .8 assists and 1.4 rebounds per game in limited playing time.

Gary Payton II is known as a defensive-minded guard who can impact the game in ways that often don’t show up in the box score. Recently Lonzo Ball of the Lakers underwent an MRI on his sore left knee. Ball is officially listed as questionable against Memphis, which could open the door for Payton II to see immediate playing time.