Payton and Malone..they just don`t fit well with L.A.

Journeyman · May 4, 2004

I have been thinking this for a while...you watch both players neither one resembles their former selves at all!

Malone sits around outside the key waiting for the ball to shoot one of his falling off 12-15 ft jumpers, wtf is that? Malone is a pick and roll player...he just looks out of place, its a waste to not use him to his strength, Malone looks like a fish out of water....and Payton is a scoring point guard who hasn`t adjusted well...on top of that, neither player is matching up well on defense in the playoffs... its just not a good fit and its showing more now...the Spurs destroyed LA when it counted in the matchup halfcourt situations late...

RIOSHILL · May 4, 2004

All of your points are valid. I thought he would do more, but sorry, just didn't work out.

OMNIVOROUS FROG · May 4, 2004

Malone has had how many games in this offense, vs how many in Jazz pick and roll. Payton always been score first, cannot deliver ball low post. Not enough time in system either. Really shows on transition defense and team defense. Spurs win by 10+ again. Best Wishes...OF

stef · May 4, 2004

Payton is really in Jacksons doghouse. In Seattle he was the MAN and he should know his role in LA and accept it. He'll be out of LA next year.

WildBill · May 4, 2004

They would be so much better off just going with Fisher at the point and playing George a lot more. I think the Lakers learned their lesson and realize that role players are good to have for a reason.

jimbutorac · May 5, 2004

The last time there were at least 3 so-called superstars on one team was Houston with Barkley, Pippen and Olujawon and they culdn't figure out how to share the ball either. And like the Lakers, they were all past their primes (except for Kobe and yes, Shaq is past his prime).

JohnnyDeMarco · May 5, 2004

Payton has really been exposed lately. Francis ate him up in Houston and Tony Parker owns him so far in this series

BillDozer · May 5, 2004

Payton is old in PG yrs. Malone should maybe hang out on the week side to do some dirty work.

Phil is starting to look like a one trick pony these days with the triangle offense. To the fan it looks like he is eliminating one of the threats as a favor to the other team. He is not utlizing anyone and Kobe breaks plays regardless.

When we heard Payton was coming to LA I think most people imagined him and Kobe running the break after Shaq outleted the rebound with Malone trailing the play.