With the Golden State Warriors trailing 2-1 to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals, Steve Kerr is reportedly making a change to his starting lineup for Game 4 on Monday.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Gary Payton II is expected to join the starting lineup in Game 4. Payton II will join the starting lineup alongside Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green.
Via @ShamsCharania on Twitter:
Just in: Golden State Warriors expected starting lineup change in Game 4 vs. Los Angeles Lakers: pic.twitter.com/jKbUc2KaYP
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 8, 2023
Payton II will enter the starting lineup over Kevon Looney and JaMychal Green. Green has started Game 2 and 3 after Looney came down with an illness. While Green has notched the start, Looney has been available in a limited role in each game due to his illness.
Payton II’s playing time has fluctuated throughout the playoffs. The defensive guard has played over 20 minutes twice and under 10 minutes twice during the Warriors 2023 postseason run. During the playoffs, Payton II is averaging 5.6 points on 62.2% shooting from the field with 3.7 rebounds in 14.5 minutes per game.
In Game 3, Payton notched eight points on 4-of-7 shooting from the floor with three boards, a steal and a block in 12 minutes.
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