As one of the free agents on the current roster that the Los Angeles Lakers are willing to let walk away this summer, veteran forward Matt Barnes has no idea where he’ll be playing next season with little interest in his services around the league.
As if an uncertain future wasn’t bad enough for a veteran, Barnes made matters worse on Monday night as he was reportedly arrested for a traffic warrant and resisting the arrest according to Chris Palmer of ESPN.com via Twitter:
Matt Barnes arrested for traffic warrant and resisting arrest in Manhattan Beach. (via TMZ)
— chris palmer (@ESPNChrisPalmer) July 31, 2012
Reportedly, Barnes had a massive unpaid amount of $26,000 for the traffic warrant that was issued. The warrant was issued for Barnes due to driving on a suspended license.
The Lakers’ forward started to get extremely vocal with the arresting officer and was then hit with resisting arrest as a result. Barnes is being held by Manhattan Beach PD on $51,000 bail.
It seems to be a forgone conclusion that Barnes would be headed elsewhere this summer. The Lakers showed little interest in retaining the NBA journeyman with Devin Ebanks, Metta World Peace and now Antawn Jamison on the squad at small forward. Barnes’ play over the past two seasons has been inconsistent to say the least.
Last season, Barnes averaged 7.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game for the Lakers.
Barnes has played for eight different teams during his NBA career including the Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic.
The veteran forward failed to make a name for himself in the NBA until landing with the Warriors alongside Baron Davis. After a short stint in the Bay Area, Barnes had a breakout season with the Suns before signing with the Magic and eventually signing with the Lakers.
After this latest dust up with the law, Barnes’ future in the NBA may be in doubt. One thing seems to be certain though is that Barnes won’t be re-signing with the Lakers.
