Lakers’ Next Defensive Weapon? Why L.A.’s Growing Interest in Gary Payton II Has Fans and Analysts Buzzing — Could GP2 Be the Missing Piece to a Championship Puzzle in 2025?
Los Angeles, CA — The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly setting their sights on free agent guard Gary Payton II, and the buzz around the franchise suggests this could be more than just a depth move. According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the Lakers are “very much” interested in acquiring the former Warriors guard, who is widely regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.
The potential addition of Payton II — affectionately known as GP2 — has ignited speculation across NBA circles. Known for his relentless hustle, lockdown defense, and championship pedigree, Payton II could bring the exact kind of grit and energy L.A. is looking for heading into the 2025-26 season.
“He’s the type of player who changes the tone of a game without needing the ball,” said an anonymous Western Conference scout. “He fits on any team that wants to win right now — and the Lakers are clearly in win-now mode.”
Why GP2 Fits the Lakers’ Vision
This reported pursuit comes amid a broader effort by the Lakers front office to reshape their backcourt with versatile, defensive-minded veterans. Having already landed Marcus Smart earlier in the offseason, the Lakers are now potentially forming a backcourt rotation that combines championship experience, toughness, and defensive IQ.
Gary Payton II, the son of Hall of Famer Gary Payton, won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2022, where he played a crucial role off the bench and even guarded stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown during the Finals. His 6’3″ frame and incredible lateral quickness make him a nightmare for opposing guards — something the Lakers sorely missed last season.
Championship DNA and a Culture Shift
L.A.’s interest in GP2 signals a potential culture shift — one that moves beyond the “superstar-centric” model and into a more gritty, defensively anchored identity. With LeBron James potentially entering his final season and Anthony Davis looking to extend his prime, the Lakers are clearly loading up on players who can contribute on both ends without needing offensive volume.
“If Payton ends up in L.A., don’t be surprised if he ends up being a fan favorite,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “He plays hard, he plays smart, and he plays with purpose.”
The Bigger Picture
The Lakers’ interest in Payton II also reflects how much the Western Conference landscape has shifted. With teams like the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder on the rise, L.A. knows it needs more than star power — it needs depth, discipline, and defense.
For fans of the Purple and Gold, the potential signing of Gary Payton II may not carry the flash of a blockbuster trade, but it could be the type of under-the-radar move that ultimately defines a season.
Key Stats (2024-25 Season – Warriors):
6.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG in just 17.6 minutes per game
49.3% FG, 35.9% from 3-point range
Top-15 in Defensive Box Plus/Minus among guards
Will Gary Payton II suit up in the purple and gold next season? If the Lakers have their way, the answer might come sooner than expected.
