Lakers News: Gary Payton II, Thomas Bryant Recalled by LA for Game vs. Pistons
Gary Payton II and Thomas Bryant will join the Los Angeles Lakers roster for Monday night's road game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.
The South Bay Lakers, the team's G League affiliate, announced both players were recalled.
Payton signed a two-way contract with the Lakers in January after getting waived by the Milwaukee Bucks in December. He's averaged 1.7 points in six appearances off the bench for L.A.
The 25-year-old Oregon State product has made a bigger impact in the G League. He's put up 17.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.9 steals per game in 20 contests at the developmental level.
After signing with the franchise, Payton explained to Harrison Faigen of Lakers Nation what he hoped to contribute during the stretch run of the regular season.
"Just a spark off the bench," he said. "Defensively, just make stops and playmaking for everybody. We've got a lot of shooters on both teams so just be a playmaker and make the right decision."
Meanwhile, Bryant has split his rookie campaign between L.A. and South Bay. He's averaged 1.1 points in 10 NBA games.
Both recalled players could see action Monday night as the Lakers deal with several injuries, including absences by Isaiah Thomas, Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram.
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