ATLANTA (AP) Los Angeles Lakers point guard Gary Payton and coach Phil Jackson met to discuss the triangle offense and Payton's role within it, and both felt the session was productive.

Last week, Payton complained about his lack of playing time and said the offense limited him. Payton, who signed as a free agent last summer, also said he was growing disenchanted with his decision to join the Lakers.

He and Jackson talked after practice Monday.

``Athletes are going to express disappointment, that's natural,'' Jackson said Tuesday night before Los Angeles played the Atlanta Hawks. ``I liked what Gary had to offer. He had some things to say.''

Payton is averaging 14.6 points, his lowest offensive output since 1992-93 despite leading the Lakers in minutes.

``It was good for both of us,'' Payton said. ``I got a sense of what he wants, and he got a sense of what I want. As long as you just tell me what's going on, I'm cool.''

Jackson has used the triangle offense since his days as coach of the Chicago Bulls. It essentially overloads one side of the court with three players, with one posting up and the other two on the perimeter.

``It's about how to be innovative in this offense where everybody has an equal opportunity,'' Jackson said. ``That's really the frustration I see. He's got to find a way to be totally comfortable in the offense without the ball, to know how to do the things that this offense will allow you to create with and without the ball.''