Hornets Announce Roster Move Before Lakers Game

According to the Hornets, the team has signed veteran guard Elfrid Payton to a second 10-day contract.

Payton’s initial 10-day deal with the Hornets expired, but the team has opted to bring him back to help bolster their depleted backcourt.

The Hornets announced the signing through their official X account.

The move comes as Charlotte continues to struggle with guard depth. Starting point guard LaMelo Ball has battled injuries all season and is currently listed as questionable against the Lakers. Meanwhile, fourth-year guard Tre Mann has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a back injury that will require surgery (via Spencer Percy of the "Buzz Beat" podcast).

With their roster currently at 15 players, the Hornets will use a hardship exemption to keep Payton on the roster.

A former lottery pick, Payton was selected 10th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2014 NBA Draft before being traded to the Orlando Magic. Over his nine-year career, he has averaged 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. He played seven games for the New Orleans Pelicans this season before being waived in December and later signed with the Hornets on February 7.

Since joining Charlotte, Payton has appeared in two games, averaging 2.0 points, 5.5 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 27.5 minutes. His return provides much-needed depth as the Hornets look to snap a three-game losing streak against the Lakers.