EL SEGUNDO, CA - MARCH 15: Gary Payton II #6 of the South Bay Lakers handles the ball against the Agua Caliente Clippers during an NBA G-League game on March 15, 2018 at UCLA Heath Training Center in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)Adam Pantozzi/Getty Images

Lakers News: Gary Payton II, Thomas Bryant Recalled by LA for Game vs. Pistons

Tim DanielsMar 26, 2018

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.

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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.