Champions in '04 - Lakers or Spurs ??
Aaron Goodwin, the agent for Gary Payton, told ESPN's David Aldridge Tuesday afternoon that Payton has chosen to sign a free-agent contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, despite L.A.'s financial limitations.

The Lakers were limited to offering Payton a starting salary of $4.9 million for next season. It is likely that Malone, seeking his first championship, will also sign with the Lakers for a lot less than he could make elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the Spurs have the ability — and are willing — to give Kidd a six-year, $94.5 million deal, about $5 million less than what the Nets can offer. Any concerns the Spurs may have had about whether Kidd would be a good fit for the team were dismissed after his recent visit.