Gary Payton II (Image Credits: Imagn)
Gary Payton II is the latest voice to weigh in on a familiar debate. Speaking on the Jaxxon podcast, the Golden State Warriors guard echoed the sentiment of many former players who believe the league strayed too far from its physical roots. He compared today’s style to the bruising battles of the 1980s and 90s and did not hesitate to call out the league’s softer, offense-heavy approach.
Payton noted that the NBA shifted dramatically to appeal to casual fans. Physically took a back seat to scoring with rule changes and officiating trends favoring offensive flair over defensive grit. It’s a business decision, more scoring, more highlights, and more attention. But that evolution did not fit with everyone, especially players raised in tougher eras of basketball.
“No, I feel like it definitely has gotten softer since the ’80s and the ’90s. Like, Bad Boys Detroit Pistons, there were some teams in there … you come in the lane, you’re going to get a forearm. Back to the [Shaquille O’Neal] era, early ’90s. And nowadays, they want to clean it up,” Payton shared. “They want the fans to see more like just play,” Payton stated. “So, I feel that’s why they calling more fouls, guys going to the line more. Kind of slowing the game down, but still trying to keep it interesting.”
His father, Hall of Famer Gary Payton, voiced similar frustrations. While today’s NBA thrives on entertainment, the lingering question remains up in the air whether the game has lost its edge for good or not.
Gary Payton II Makes A Bold Statement About Lakers Superstar’s Physique
Mar 3, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the second quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
LeBron James is entering his 23rd NBA season at age 40, and his longevity continues to spark debate. In the meantime, Golden State Warriors’ Gary Payton II recently suggested that James might use recovery treatments like stem cell therapy to stay in top shape.
On the Jaxxon Podcast, Payton said, “He spends almost two-million every year on his body. You think he doing stem cells and stuff? Because that changed my life.” When MMA legend Rampage Jackson asked if James uses stem cells, Payton jokingly replied, “I’m sure he’s getting everything. He (LeBron) goes to Wakanda and gets some kind of vibranium sh**.”
James denied spending that much but openly invests in massages, hyperbaric chambers, and other recovery tools to extend his career.
News
Jennifer Love Hewitt shocked fans when she stepped out in public with husband Brian Hallisay — their first rare outing in years. After 12 years of marriage spent mostly away from the spotlight, the couple’s appearance instantly lit up headlines, leaving fans buzzing about Hollywood’s most private love story.
Jennifer Love Hewitt and Brian Hallisay: A Decade of Love Behind the Scenes In an industry where celebrity relationships often…
“I don’t care what you think of me.” With eight ice-cold words, Robert De Niro froze Karoline Leavitt mid-insult, silencing a live studio braced for fireworks. No shouting, no theatrics—just a devastating line that flipped the balance of power and left fans buzzing long after the cameras cut.
In a moment that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most striking live TV moments in recent history,…
Marjorie Taylor Greene, never far from controversy, has set off another firestorm with a jaw-dropping twist in the “Phillies Karen” saga. While demanding deportation for the woman at the center of the scandal, Greene was spotted buying VIP Marlins tickets for the boy in a wheelchair who broke down in tears. Admirers are calling it compassion in action, critics slam it as shameless political theater. Is Greene rewriting her image—or exploiting a tragedy for headlines? The truth behind her double-edged move is shaking the nation.
The image of a young boy in a wheelchair, crying as a grown woman snatched away his joy, has become…
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often praised as a defender of the underdog, has stunned the nation by stepping in to defend the notorious “Phillies Karen.” Across the aisle, Marjorie Taylor Greene erupted with fury, demanding deportation and igniting a storm that ripped across social media. Supporters see principled courage, critics call it reckless pandering. Is this the fight for fairness—or political theater at its ugliest? The full breakdown of America’s latest firestorm is setting the internet ablaze.
The story of Phillies Karen was already one of the most polarizing scandals of the year. From the infamous moment when she…
Jasmine Crockett, known for her sharp tongue and fearless presence, has ignited a firestorm with just four words about the infamous “Phillies Karen” saga. “Enough is enough,” she declared—words so cutting they left the woman at the center of the scandal stunned into silence. Within hours, her employer confirmed her dismissal. Some hail Crockett’s stance as justice long overdue, while others call it ruthless. Was this accountability in action—or a takedown taken too far? The full statement that sparked the nation’s debate is now making waves everywhere.
The drama surrounding the viral “Phillies Karen” saga has reached a boiling point, and now a powerful voice has entered…
Jeffrey Lurie, long respected as the steady hand behind the Philadelphia Eagles, has sent shockwaves through the sports world with a stunning announcement. “Hostile, reckless, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated,” he declared, before revealing that the infamous “Phillies Karen” is now permanently banned from Lincoln Financial Field. Fans are split—some praising his bold stand for respect, others slamming it as an overreach. Is this a defining moment of leadership, or a dangerous precedent? The full story behind Lurie’s bombshell is rocking stadiums everywhere.
A Stunning Announcement from the Eagles’ Front Office In a move that stunned both fans and analysts, Philadelphia Eagles CEO Jeffrey…
End of content
No more pages to load
