Having scored an NCAA-best 716 total points last season, Cameron Payne is now looking to bring his offensive firepower to the NBA. The Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year worked out for the Lakers on June 9 and met with the media after. Below is a full transcription of the session:
Q: On how his workout went:
Payne: Workout went great. Very competitive, and I had a great time.
Q: On what the coaches had him do:
Payne: We did a lot of two-on-twos, one-on-ones, pick-and-roll things. Just a lot of one-on-one things I guess to see what I can do.
Q: On what he needs to show to teams:
Payne: Definitely got to show I can score. I can compete with other people, but I’ve got to show my consistency on the offensive end and consistency on the defensive end.
Q: On what the highlight of his game is:
Payne: All around. I like passing. It was a lot of one-on-one today, so I didn’t really get to showcase a lot of that, but I really like passing and getting my teammates happy and involved.
Q: On which part of his game will translate best to the NBA:
Payne: Definitely my pick-and-roll game and my decision-making coming off of the pick-and-roll.
Q: On whether there is a player that he has modeled his game after:
Payne: Tony Parker, definitely. Doing it with the floater — definitely got that in my game. I’ve been working on that since college, and I feel that’s what got me over the hump of being crafty at the rim.
Q: On how his Lakers workout differed from his first one at Indiana:
Payne: (Indiana) wasn’t individual, and it was a lot more pick-and-roll. We did a lot of sets.
Q: On whether coming from a smaller school like Murray State gives him a chip on his shoulder:
Payne: Definitely. I feel that’s the same thing that Steph Curry did. Now he’s the MVP. So I definitely modeled after that. Damian Lillard (was) Rookie of the Year (from) a low mid-major (school). I just want to come back and do the same thing and make a name for myself.
Q: On whether he still feels that people underrate his athleticism:
Payne: From looking at my numbers on verticals and things, I feel they give me a little slack on it now. But at first, I’m not going to come and dunk on someone every game. But if I get my chance, I’ll go get it. I’m really just crafty. So I’m going to do everything lefty, slick. That’s just me.
Q: On whether he ever envisioned himself working out for the Lakers:
Payne: I had no idea this was going to be in my little transition at all. But I did, and I’m happy about it. Happy being here.
Q: On the emotions that come with the NBA Draft:
Payne: It’s definitely crazy. I count down every day. I’m really looking forward to June 25, but I’ve got to get this work in now. I’m very shocked and I’m speechless about everything.
Q: On the possibility of playing with Kobe Bryant:
Payne: It would be a great, great experience. That’s my favorite player, so to see him go out and do work and play alongside him — that would be great.
Q: On what makes Bryant his favorite player:
Payne: He’s the best player. He can score. He can do what he does. He’s a winner, and I’m a winner. So I definitely take after him.
Q: On how he needs to improve:
Payne: My defense. I feel I can get way better at my defense. Offensively, my defense is going to take care of it. If I come out and give hard defense, my offense is going to come through my defense.