According to ESPN's Mark Stein, Payton will ask to be bought out if Shaq (should really be when) is dealt to Miami. Is this because GP only wanted to play with Shaq, or did Kobe give him the heads up that he's going to the Clippers? With the garbage the Lakers got from Miami, I don't see why Kobe wouldn't go to the Clips, other than money, which is a big reason. But Kobe has plenty of dough and he's always been about chasing MJ's 6 titles. I don't think he can win a lot with only Butler and Odom and now with GP. Going to LAC with Maggette, Brand, and Kaman (who is tearing up the summer league, he could be a top C in the league by year's end, which isn't that impressive since there are like 6 good C's in the NBA) and Livingston might make more sense. Maybe GP just wants to get out, but maybe he knows something.
Screw Payton..the man signed a contract, and then after SUCKING A$$ this year re-upped because he knew he would get less on the open market. Forget that...make him honor his word.... Payton is a FRICKEN primadonna whom I want NOWHERE near my Rockets. Has beens not welcome. DD
For the second time in my life, I agree with Double D. Gary Paidtons should not ask for anything while he's nursing injuries. Check out Offseason stuff... (from http://www.nba.com/finals2004/detlal_offseason.html) :
