According to Gary Payton's agent Aaron Goodwin, the veteran guard is set to join Los Angeles Lakers next season.

　　Goodwin said on Tuesday: " (Payton's) going to Los Angeles."

　　"He feels he can do something special with them and is the piece we needed," said Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak. "It is the Lakers' intention to enter into a contract with Gary Payton. "

　　Payton, who turns 35 on July 23, refused an offer from the Milwaukee Bucks and became a free agent.

　　The Lakers are over the NBA salary cap and can only offer Payton the US.9 million exception if a sign-and-trade can 't be worked out with the Bucks.

　　Goodwin said Payton could have received much more money from Portland, Miami or Indiana.

　　"The Blazers made a tremendous offer, and he really likes ( Miami coach) Pat (Riley) and the Heat organization," Goodwin said. "But he chose Los Angeles to follow his dream."

　　The Lakers are also working on Karl Malone's agent, Dwight Manley, to get the former Utah Jazz's All-Star power forward.

　　Manley acknowledged that the Lakers are among the teams his client is considering and a decision could be made in two days.