The Glove and Malone to LA?
by Paul Jay, Sportsnet.ca
Approaching 40 and still don't have that NBA championship ring? Don't worry, just head for L.A. or San Antonio, where old loyalties don't seem to matter -- only winning does.
Karl Malone and Gary Payton are destined for the Hall of Fame. Malone is about three seasons away from breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career-scoring record and Payton has averaged 20 points-per-game as a point guard while making his reputation as one of the best defenders in the league. Both players took their teams to the NBA Finals in the '90s, where Michael Jordan was waiting to break their hearts.
And now both are peddling their wares for a ring. Malone has reportedly offered to accept a $1.5 million (US) contract from the Los Angeles Lakers (a 92 per cent pay cut) if the team can also sign Payton. That would give the Lakers four Hall-of-Famers (including Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant) and a chance to return to their role as The Arrogant Dynasty.
by Paul Jay, Sportsnet.ca
Approaching 40 and still don't have that NBA championship ring? Don't worry, just head for L.A. or San Antonio, where old loyalties don't seem to matter -- only winning does.
Karl Malone and Gary Payton are destined for the Hall of Fame. Malone is about three seasons away from breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career-scoring record and Payton has averaged 20 points-per-game as a point guard while making his reputation as one of the best defenders in the league. Both players took their teams to the NBA Finals in the '90s, where Michael Jordan was waiting to break their hearts.
And now both are peddling their wares for a ring. Malone has reportedly offered to accept a $1.5 million (US) contract from the Los Angeles Lakers (a 92 per cent pay cut) if the team can also sign Payton. That would give the Lakers four Hall-of-Famers (including Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant) and a chance to return to their role as The Arrogant Dynasty.