The Los Angeles Lakers assigned Gary Payton II to South Bay, the affiliate announced Tuesday afternoon. Payton II signed a two-way contract with the Lakers on Jan. 15, three days after the team created a roster opening by waiving Vander Blue.
Payton II joined the Lakers as the team’s second player on a two-way contract, with Alex Caruso the other. He averaged 2.8 points and 1.8 assists in 11.4 minutes per game over 18 games the last two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Payton II thus far has appeared in two games for the Lakers, scoring a combined six points, grabbing two rebounds, dishing out four assists and blocking two shots over 18 minutes. He did not appear in either of their back-to-back wins.
In three games this season with the Wisconsin Herd of the G League, Payton II averaged 18.3 points, seven rebounds and 2.7 steals.
While the Lakers head into Tuesday’s game still without Lonzo Ball as he recovers from a left knee sprain, Alex Caruso has taken advantage of his opportunities. Tyler Ennis has started in place of Ball, which Lakers head coach Luke Walton didn’t seem inclined to change despite his ineffectiveness.
The earliest Payton II will see the court with South Bay is Friday, when they host the Windy City Bulls at the UCLA Health Training Center at 7 p.m. PT.
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