Gary Payton II Joins WME Basketball, Fueling Speculation of Lakers Pursuit That Could Shake Up Their Current Roster

Gary Payton II has always made his presence felt on the basketball court with defense, hustle, and energy—but now, he’s making waves off the floor. The veteran guard recently made a significant decision that’s turning heads across the NBA: switching representation to WME Basketball, an agency powered by renowned agent Bill Duffy. The move places Payton alongside a high-profile roster that includes Luka Dončić, Deandre Ayton, and Lakers center Jaxson Hayes. It’s a notable shift that’s reigniting rumors about a possible future move to Los Angeles.

For the Lakers, Payton’s profile is intriguing. The franchise is actively retooling, with general manager Rob Pelinka making it clear the team’s priorities this offseason are defense, athleticism, and roster flexibility. Payton, despite injuries limiting his role in recent seasons, checks all three boxes when healthy. His switch to WME now aligns him with the same agency that has a direct line into the Lakers’ front office via Hayes—whose one-year deal places him in trade or salary cap flexibility conversations. League insiders suggest the Lakers could already be in quiet talks about how to add Payton to the fold.

Payton’s career arc is the stuff of grit and resilience. Undrafted out of Oregon State in 2016, he spent years bouncing between G League squads, short-term NBA contracts, and overseas opportunities before finally sticking with the Golden State Warriors. There, he carved out a niche as a defensive specialist, helping the Warriors capture the 2022 NBA Championship. His ability to guard one through three, disrupt passing lanes, and finish strong in transition earned him the nickname “Young Glove”—a nod to his Hall of Fame father, Gary Payton.

Since that championship run, however, Payton’s minutes and health have fluctuated. The 2023–24 season saw him in a limited role for Golden State, averaging just 5.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 15 minutes per game. Yet executives around the league haven’t forgotten his impact when fully healthy. The Lakers, in particular, seem enamored with the idea of adding a dynamic perimeter defender to play alongside—or spell—Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell.

The Lakers’ backcourt is currently crowded, but it lacks a true defensive stopper. Reaves is more of a combo guard with offensive instincts, while Russell, despite his offensive flair, has long been criticized for his lapses on defense. Max Christie is still developing, and Gabe Vincent’s future in L.A. is cloudy after an injury-riddled season. Bringing in Payton II could give Darvin Ham the kind of rotational flexibility he lacked last season.

However, acquiring Payton wouldn’t be straightforward. He is under contract with the Golden State Warriors through 2025–26, with a player option for the final year. The Lakers would need to engineer a trade to bring him to Los Angeles—likely involving one of their younger, lower-cost players or a sign-and-trade component. Names like Christie, Vincent, or even Rui Hachimura have been mentioned in speculative trade packages, especially if the Lakers pursue multiple defensive-oriented players.

Money would also be a challenge. Payton is owed approximately $9.1 million next season. The Lakers, who are already flirting with the second apron of the luxury tax, would need to shed salary or find a team willing to take on a contract in return. One avenue could be leveraging their 2029 or 2031 first-round draft picks—assets the team has been reluctant to part with but might consider if Payton is part of a broader roster reconfiguration that includes targeting another star via trade or free agency.

Bill Duffy’s involvement adds another layer of intrigue. As one of the most influential agents in the NBA, Duffy’s network has helped orchestrate high-profile moves, including Luka Dončić’s historic rookie extension and Ayton’s contentious journey through restricted free agency. His presence at the negotiation table could smooth over potential friction points between Payton and any interested suitors. Duffy also has a track record of guiding players to markets where they can thrive—not just athletically, but in terms of branding, endorsements, and lifestyle. Los Angeles, with its bright lights and media exposure, would be a natural fit for Payton if he’s looking to capitalize on his recent title pedigree.

For Payton himself, a move to L.A. might offer the refresh he needs. He turns 33 in December and is entering the twilight of his prime years. Joining a Lakers squad with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and a young core could provide him both a meaningful role and another shot at a deep playoff run. The Lakers’ interest in players who “do the dirty work” has never waned, and Payton fits the mold—guarding the opposition’s best scorer, diving for loose balls, and energizing a sometimes-lethargic bench unit.

But for all the speculation, Golden State still holds the cards. The Warriors value Payton’s contributions, particularly given their thin bench rotation. Yet the team is navigating its own financial constraints and organizational transition. With Klay Thompson now in Dallas, and the future of Chris Paul uncertain, Golden State may look to reconfigure its roster around Steph Curry and rising talents like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski. If the right offer comes along—especially one with future assets or a stretch big that complements Draymond Green—they might be willing to move on from Payton.

The broader question for the Lakers is whether Payton alone moves the needle enough. While his defensive metrics are elite—he ranks among the top 10 guards in deflections per 36 minutes—his offensive limitations could pose spacing issues, especially when paired with non-shooters like Davis or Jaxson Hayes. Still, in a playoff setting, where matchups and situational defense dictate rotations, Payton’s presence could be the difference between a second-round exit and a legitimate Finals push.

Lakers fans, notoriously passionate and deeply invested in every rumor, are already buzzing online about the potential acquisition. Social media posts showing Payton training in Los Angeles over the summer have only added fuel to the fire, though nothing concrete has been announced by either team. For now, it remains speculation—but meaningful speculation, especially when backed by a move as strategic as changing agents.

In today’s NBA, representation often speaks louder than words. By joining WME Basketball, Gary Payton II has put himself on a new trajectory—one that may very well lead to the purple and gold. The question now is whether the Lakers are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to bring him into their defensive fold. If they are, the summer of 2025 could mark yet another chapter in the franchise’s storied history of bold moves and star-studded reinventions.

Until then, Payton waits—and so do the Lakers. But the signal has been sent. And in this league, signals rarely go unanswered.