Bucks Not Part of Payton’s Plan

Gary Payton took another day to ponder life with the Lakers, even as he eliminated returning to the Milwaukee Bucks and considered the financial impact of potential sign-and-trade deals that would put him in Portland or Miami, his agent said Sunday.

“Milwaukee,” agent Aaron Goodwin said, “is not an option.”

Payton is considering the merits of larger contracts away from the Lakers, who are well over the salary cap, have little to offer in a sign-and-trade and therefore could start Payton only at the mid-level exception, or about $4.8 million. His decision is linked at least in part to Karl Malone, also a free agent, who has told the Lakers he would play for them at well below market value.

Payton and Malone spoke Sunday, apparently for the first time since Tuesday, when the negotiating period started. During a Wednesday afternoon meeting with Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak, Malone said he would take the Lakers’ $1.5-million exception if it would help them to sign Payton.

Sources close to the situation said Sunday they expected Payton to ultimately decide to join the Lakers, and to let them know as soon as today, but that he is talking with his family regarding the final details.

Though they may not sign Payton or Malone until July 16, the Lakers would like to know the players’ plans soon, in the event they’ll have to more strongly consider alternatives.

-- Tim Brown