PAYTON, FOX HEAD TO BOSTON
The Boston Celtics acquired Gary Payton, Rick Fox and a first round selection from the Los Angeles Lakers for Chris Mihm, Chucky Atkins, Marcus Banks.
What does it give the Los Angeles Lakers
A hole at back-up point guard and a lesson learned. Laker brass can't be
at all pleased with Payton, who will probably show up in Boston but
nonetheless cost them plenty with his shenanigans. Jones is a great
athlete but has been inconsistent in his NBA career, and the loss of
Banks leave the Lakers with only veteran back-up Chucky Atkins at the
point. Unless rookie guard Sasha Vujacic can grow up very, very quickly,
the Lake Show will now need to pick up yet another quarterback before
the season begins.
What does it give the Boston Celtics
The return of a promising youngster, just because of Gary Payton's
antics. When Payton--acquired in the recent blockbuster from
L.A.--didn't show up for his physical in Boston this week, it gave the
Celts the right to veto the big trade for him. In return for not doing
so, the received Banks back from the Lakers in return for the
little-used Jones, plus the pick and almost $2 million. Banks was a bit
of a bust as a rookie, but was still a first-round draft pick and may
yet be a very good player.
Fantasy impact
