Gary Payton Sued -- Accused of Battering Woman ... 'He Didn't Like What I Said'

EXCLUSIVE

Gary Payton is being sued by a woman who claims the NBA legend beat her up over and over again during a quick getaway to Seattle ... all because "He did not like something she had said."

TMZ Sports has obtained the lawsuit filed by Trishtan Williams -- who claims Payton invited her as his date to an awards function in Seattle back in January ... but after the ceremony, things got violent. 

According to the suit, Gary and Trishtan went to a local bar -- where she claims Payton shoved her over something she said. Williams did not say exactly what set Payton off. 

Eventually, Williams claims they got in a car to leave together and he assaulted her again. 

Williams says Payton struck her a third time when they got back to their hotel room. 

Now, she's lawyered up with Gloria Allred -- and is seeking a ton of money.

We reached out to Payton for comment -- so far, no word back.