Gary Payton slipped on a gray, designer sweatshirt over his black silk undershirt after leading the Sonics to an exhibition victory over the Kings on Friday.

The 6-foot-4 guard put on matching sweatpants. Black leather shoes were the final touch before departing the visitors' locker room at Sacramento's Arco Arena. Opponents may have a tough time determining how Payton has remained as dominant as ever heading into his 12th NBA season. The 33-year-old provided a clue.

"I had new suits made," Payton said. "The coats were kind of snug. The pants were getting a little bit snug. I adjusted a couple of them and I feel good about it. I think everybody is liking the weight."

After relying for so long on a body that seemed to disregard the laws of nature, Payton has started to develop habits to slow his athletic biological clock.

Beginning in the summer, Payton conducted a weightlifting regimen for the first time in his basketball career. Payton weighs 190 pounds, 10 more than he has carried over the past several seasons.