The Los Angeles Lakers went through a face lift this off-season and there will be many new jerseys on the team in this upcoming season. The Lakers lost long-time center Andrew Bynum, along with role players who contributed to the team in past seasons. At this point, the team is not planning on any other major moves and additions going forward will be made to fill roster spots.
Matt Barnes played two seasons for the Lakers and fans were generally disappointed with his performance. Barnes was an excellent shooter and defender for the Orlando Magic, but for some reason he could not transfer that success to Los Angeles. As a result, the Lakers have not made a strong push to re-sign Barnes and the forward is still a free agent.
Barnes spoke to TMZ and expressed his desire to play for the new-look Lakers team.
“I’m actually a free agent right now,” Barnes said in a TMZ.com video interview. “So [the Lakers] are one of the teams we are talking to. There are a couple of other teams. Hopefully we’ll get this arrest situation out of the way so I can go ahead and move forward with my career.”
The Lakers signed Devin Ebanks this summer, a young forward who is capable of taking Barnes’ minutes. Ebanks may not be as experienced as Barnes, but with his athleticism, Ebanks may be a better fit on this roster.
In the 2011-12 season, Barnes averaged 7.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and two assists in 22.9 minutes per game.
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In case you missed it – our interview with the new Time Warner Cable Sports staff!
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