Gary Payton has decided to remain at the LA Lakers next season. The 35-year-old took up a $5.4m (�2.97m) option after a difficult first year with the team following his transfer from the Milwaukee Bucks.
But the Lakers could be missing three of their other stars next season as Kobe Bryant has opted out of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent, Shaquille O'Neal has asked for a trade and Karl Malone will not play unless he is 100% fit.
Despite the presence of four of the game's biggest stars, the Lakers lost the NBA Championship 4-1 to the Detroit Pistons.
The Lakers have already parted company with coach Phil Jackson.
MMIX
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