Los Angeles Lakers Rosters, Statistics, Records, News, and More!
It’s Official, The Mailman Delivers in LA
07.10.03
ESPN is reporting that Karl Malone today verbally agreed to join the Lakers this upcoming season, just days after Gary Payton made the same commitment.
Malone will play for a mere $1.5 million, nearly $18 million less than he made last season as a member of the Utah Jazz. While he could of have signed for more money in San Antonio or even Sacramento, the “Mailman” was lured to Los Angeles by the desire to win a championship, and the chance to play along side Gary Payton, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal.
The Lakers starting lineup, on paper, could be the most formidable in league history, with four potential Hall of Famers.
Payton and Malone’s agreement to play for very little money for a run at a championship is proof positive that for some players do play to win first.
With these two signings, the Lakers have addressed their two biggest weaknesses from last season, a power forward who can shoot the jumper and rebound in Malone, and a point guard with the stellar offensive and defensive skills of Gary Payton. And they did it all for just over $6 million.
News Link: ESPN – “Malone makes move, heads to Lakers”
“The Glove” Fits in Lakerland
07.08.03
In the aftermath of Kobe Bryant‘s legal woes, the Lakers have something to celebrate, as All-Star guard Gary Payton has verbally agreed to take $4.9 million to play with the team next season.
Payton’s commitment ends days of speculation that he would get a sign-and-trade offer with Milwaukee, and play for the Portland Trail Blazers, or even sign with the Miami Heat. In the end however, Payton’s desire to win a championship as a Laker was the deciding factor, according to his agent Aaron Goodwin.
Also according to published reports, Payton may end up signing a multi-year deal with the team.
Payton’s verbal agreement may be a signal that future Hall of Fame free agent forward Karl Malone is close to agreeing to play for the Lakers next season as well. Stay tuned!
News Link: ESPN – “Payton to ‘follow dream’ with Lakers”
News Link: ESPN – “Payton signing may mean another L.A. final”
Recent Chatter