Posts tagged October

When reading about Matt Barnes, you often find the terms “defense”, “toughness”, and “outside shooting”.  He describes himself as a football player playing basketball.  After playing at UCLA, he was drafted by Memphis in a pick from Orlando, then his rights were traded to Cleveland.  I don’t find that at all confusing.  Really.  The Lakers will be his 8th team in his 8th season in the pros.  This 6’7″ 30 year old small forward will primarily serve as back-up to Ron Artest, although he could also get some spot minutes at shooting guard.  Like the signing of Theo Ratliff, Matt Barnes will be able to provide some defense off the bench.  Barnes averaged 9 points and 5.5 rebounds in 81 games last year.  He was arrested September 8th on charges of felony domestic violence and for preventing his fiancee Gloria Govan from talking to 911 operators.  He posted a $50,000 bail and was released.  Govan made a statement a few days after his arrest saying that the charges are false.  Sacramento County prosecutors will decide October 18 whether they will press charges.  It is possible that the league or team may decide to suspend him for a couple of games, even if no charges are filed.  Although that would make me question the presumption of innocence that is supposedly the foundation of our legal system.  Fortunately, the Lakers have experience dealing with legal troubles during the season, and should be able to maintain focus.  And small forward is a position where the Lakers have depth.  Barnes said all the right things in his press conference, that he was happy to be with the Lakers and it was a dream come true.  He is hungry for a championship and will contribute coming off the bench in whatever capacity the team says is necessary.  Having veterans on the time still looking for their first ring is a good safeguard against complacency setting in.  I consider this free agent acquisition a major upgrade, and one of the reasons the bench is much better than it was last season.  Lakers Three-Peat!