Statistically he did not have a good postseason. He made the team 1.8 points per possession worse on offense when he was in the game. He averages 11.5 points per game on 45% shooting. He had an offensive rating of 95. I don't remember him, but to say he was the best player on the team in the playoffs is a joke.

Put another way. Draymond Green through 2 playoff series already has a much higher VORP than Malone did through 22 games. In fact in every conceivable way Draymond Green's playoffs this year have been superior to Malone's year with the Lakers.

I have no bias for or against the Jazz (not a fan of the Jazz, Warriors or the Lakers), but Malone did not have a good playoffs series. That being said Payton might have been even worse. So if you want to say he was the 3rd best player in the playoffs for the Lakers that year I will be alright with it.