Who's opting out this summer?

Updated: March 2, 2004, 1:11 PM ET

By Chad Ford | NBA Insider

Gary Payton is mad. He gave up a lot of money in an attempt to buy himself an NBA Championship in L.A. this season.

So far, he doesn't feel like he's getting his money's worth. With Kobe already half-way out the door, the Mailman not delivering, Phil Jackson eyeing Jackson Hole and Shaq campaigning to take over Mitch Kupchak's job, the Lakers are no longer the hot, championship producing factory Payton thought they were when he decided to take a big pay cut last July.

But that's not really Gary's issue. Winning is important. But it's not as important as playing time in the Glove's mind. Despite the fact that the Lakers have won nine out of their last 11, Payton's concern is ... well, Payton.

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