What Did Gary Payton Say to Lebron James? Gary Payton II, son of NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, has been making a name for himself as a rising star in the NBA. As a key player for the Golden State Warriors, Payton has impressed with his energy, athleticism, and defensive prowess. In a recent game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Payton had a dunk that left Lebron James bewildered. Here’s a closer look at what happened, as well as Payton’s career and achievements so far.
Table: Gary Payton II’s Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games Played | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | HOU |
What Did Gary Payton Say to Lebron James:
Gary Payton II, son of NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, has been making waves as a key player for the Golden State Warriors. In a recent game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Payton had a dunk that left Lebron James bewildered. Here’s what happened and what Payton had to say about it, as well as a closer look at the rising star’s career.
Gary Payton Dunks on Lebron: Confused Celebration
In a game on May 4, 2023, between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers, Gary Payton II had a breakaway dunk that left Lebron James looking confused. The dunk happened in the fourth quarter and gave the Warriors a 109-96 lead. James initially appeared to be celebrating the dunk, but then he quickly turned his head to look at the scoreboard and seemed to lose track of what was happening on the court. Payton, meanwhile, continued to celebrate the dunk with his teammates.
When asked about the dunk after the game, Payton said, “I was just trying to make a play for my team. I saw an opening and I went for it. It feels great to contribute to a win like this.”
Warriors Gary Payton II
Payton II joined the Golden State Warriors in 2022 as a two-way player. He quickly impressed the coaching staff and was promoted to a full-time contract. He has been an important role player for the Warriors this season, providing energy and athleticism off the bench.
In the playoffs, Payton II has played an even bigger role for the Warriors. He has started multiple games and has been a key contributor on both ends of the court. In Game 4 of the series against the Lakers, he is expected to start once again as the Warriors look to even the series.
Career of Gary Payton II
Gary Payton II was born on December 1, 1992, in Seattle, Washington. He played college basketball at Oregon State University, where he was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017.
After going undrafted in the 2016 NBA draft, Payton II played for the Houston Rockets, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Los Angeles Lakers. He spent most of his time in the NBA G League, where he was named the G League Defensive Player of the Year in 2018.
In 2020, Payton II signed with the Washington Wizards, where he played for two seasons before joining the Golden State Warriors.
FAQs:
- Who is Gary Payton II?
Gary Payton II is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Golden State Warriors. He is the son of NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton. - What team did Gary Payton II start his career with?
Payton II started his career with the Houston Rockets. - What college did Gary Payton II attend?
Payton II attended Oregon State University. - Has Gary Payton II won any awards?
Yes, Payton II has won several awards throughout his career, including the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and the G League Defensive Player of the Year. - How has Gary Payton II performed in the playoffs?
Payton II has played a key role for the Warriors in the playoffs, starting multiple games and contributing on both ends of the court.