Plot Thickens Among Malone, Payton and Lakers

LakersGyrl2003 · by **LakersGyrl2003** on Sun Jul 06, 2003 2:55 am

http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0704/1576812.html

Karl Malone plans to wait and see what happens with talks between fellow free agent Gary Payton and the Los Angeles Lakers.

ESPN's David Aldridge confirmed that Malone would be interested in the Lakers if Payton signs with them.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Payton chose not to go Los Angeles this weekend as Lakers coach Phil Jackson and owner Jerry Buss are out of town. Payton has been in contact with Shaquille O'Neal and Magic Johnson in the meantime, the Times reports.

Payton made $12.6 million last season while playing for the Seattle SuperSonics and Milwaukee Bucks.

Aldridge also reports that Malone has narrowed his list down to four teams, two of which are the Lakers and current NBA champion San Antonio Spurs.

Kobe_One_Kenobi_8 · by **Kobe_One_Kenobi_8** on Sun Jul 06, 2003 9:58 am

Payton is the key to all of this. Malone will follow GP's lead.

From what I read from the papers. it seems like our focus on free agency right now is towards GP and Malone. Hopefully, GP can decide quickly and does not jerk us around, since we can lose other possible free agents like PJ and Juwan Howard, if Payton takes his time deciding.

Lakers Dynasty 2000 · by **Lakers Dynasty 2000** on Sun Jul 06, 2003 10:15 am

Yes, Payton's agent told Kupchak yesterday that they will have a desicion within 48 hours. Not to much time to wait.

Also, I don't agree with you on Payton is the whole key. Malone knows a Los Angeles team with a fit Shaq, and even bettered Kobe is a really good shot at the title. But you hear about Payton possibly joining, and why not have Malone reel him in like a Fish to get this All Star team assembled?

Kobe_One_Kenobi_8 · by **Kobe_One_Kenobi_8** on Sun Jul 06, 2003 11:17 am

Sorry, LD.

I meant that through all the papers and internet reports it seems like Payton is becoming the key to the whole situattion. Through the statements that Malone makes, it appears that Payton could be a determining factor in his choice of the Lakers or the Spurs.

Plot Thickens Among Malone, Payton and Lakers

Plot Thickens Among Malone, Payton and Lakers

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