The 2004 Lakers were lucky to even make it to the NBA Finals
We were even lucky to get into the championships... Shaq didn't play 50-some games. Kobe didn't play 40-some games. And [Malone] 62. So it was a situation where we were even lucky to get into the championships... we just so happened, got everything together and we lucked up and got into the championship.
More from this episode
View episodeLeBron James insisted on Kendrick Perkins being on the Cavs specifically to kill J.R. Smith if he made a mistake
The reason why LeBron insisted on getting Kendrick Perkins on his squad was just for this type of situation. I fully expect Kendrick Perkins to kill J.R. Smith.
The Cavaliers lost Game 1; the Warriors did not win it
I would say that the Cavaliers lost this game. The Warriors did not win it. So it's still 0-0.
Steve Kerr can't coach dunking because he's never touched a rim in his life
Have you noticed that the Warriors are the worst team in the NBA at dunking? ... I think it's because Steve Kerr's ever touched a rim in his life. So he can't coach dunking. That's the one part that he can't teach the guys about.
More from Gary Payton
View profileJohn Stockton is the GOAT because he affected every part of the game more efficiently than MJ or LeBron
A guy got the ball 90% of the time and he's very effective... you look up on a scoreboard, and he has 20-something points, 15 assists, four steals, and six rebounds... That's a hell of a game. And you only play 32 minutes... you can't take none of the 34 minutes off against him because he's going to be so effective.
The 1996 Sonics were just as good as the 72-win Bulls
I don't think they [1996 Bulls] were the best team of all time. We was pretty damn good our goddamn self. ... I mean, we had won, what, they won 72, we won 64? ... I think that Sonics team, we won zero plus five years in a row yeah five years in a row.
Seattle will get an NBA team back by 2020 or 2021
I think so. I think it's like 2021 or 2020 is going to happen. I know we've just got to prove for our arena to get done. We've got a hockey team coming in there. That's all what the NBA wants.