Gary Payton, wearing the purple and gold of the Lakers, returns tonight for the first time since the blockbuster trade in February that shipped him out after more than 12 seasons with the SuperSonics.
"It's no big thing," Payton said. "I don't care. We're going to go back to Seattle and I'm just going to play."
Payton was one of the Sonics' best players, providing leadership and tenacious defense more than 12 seasons. He helped the team reach the 1996 NBA Finals, losing to Michael Jordan's Bulls.
Payton remains Seattle's career leader in scoring (18,207 points), assists (7,384), steals (2,107), games played (999), personal fouls (2,577), minutes (36,858), triple doubles (16), field goals made (7,292) and 3-pointers (917).
He was traded with Desmond Mason to Milwaukee at last season's trade deadline for another All-Star, Ray Allen, and Ronald Murray and Kevin Ollie. Payton joined the Lakers as a free agent in the summer.
Allen, who played with Payton on the gold medal-winning U.S. team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, looks forward to his return.
"It will be a great experience for a lot of fans," Allen said. "He's been an icon in this city for a long time. The fact that he doesn't play here anymore doesn't change anything."
It once seemed Payton would end his career with Seattle, but trouble was apparent after he skipped media day before the 2002-03 season.
Payton, who turned 35 on July 23, was seeking a multiyear contract worth his then-salary of almost $13-million a year. Team chairman Howard Schultz, meanwhile, questioned if Payton would be as effective later in his career.
"(The trade) wasn't really a surprise," Payton said. "I just didn't know where I was going. They weren't going to send me to the West because they didn't want to play against me, but then it happened in the summer.
"I knew they were going to have to play against me. I knew I was coming back to the West, just to play against them."
This season, Payton ranks among the NBA leaders in assists (6.6) and steals (1.57). He's been a bargain, earning $4.9-million.
Payton looks fondly on his time in Seattle, saying he had a solid relationship with fans. And he's happy to be part of a star-studded Lakers lineup that includes Shaquille O'Neal and Karl Malone.
"I mean, shoot, I'm winning," Payton said. "I don't have to do as much. I don't have to pound my body. I'm having fun, playing the way I want to play. It's been a joyful thing."
