Gary Payton trash talked LeBron James during halftime at Game 2
Gary Payton has more in common with LeBron James than most realize. Since retiring, Gary Payton has lived the life that most guys dream of. After all, what’s the point of reaching the heights of the NBA and making all of that money? Now, as an older guy, Gary enjoys watching his son play. Last year, Gary Payton II was instrumental in the Golden State Warriors’ title run. This year, he returned to the team. Then, last night, Gary got in LeBron’s ear, just as halftime began.
Gary Payton made a name for himself as one of the NBA’s top trash talkers. However, once his time as a franchise player came to an end, Payton joined one of the original super teams. In 2003, he joined the ill-fated Lakers team that also added Karl Malone during that offseason. Years later, LeBron James would join the Lakers. After his Laker stint, Gary Payton joined the Miami Heat. He made a huge game winning shot and won a title there. LeBron did the same.
Gary Payton is from the Bay Area. As a result, he is naturally a Golden State Warriors fan. In addition, his son Gary Payton II is a key role player. That said, Payton has no love for the Los Angeles Lakers that he once played for. Especially with his son being on the floor, that statement is true. In Game 1, the Warriors lost a winnable game. Draymond Green promised Game 2 would be different. It was. This was clear by halftime. As LeBron went to the locker room, GP was taunting him.
Gary Payton trash talked LeBron James during halftime at Game 2
