After all the moves that have been made by the Los Angeles Lakers over the summer, it appears that GM Mitch Kupchak and company are most likely done bringing in new players or re-signing veterans from last year’s squad. There’s been talk of Leandro Barbosa potentially still being on the Lakers’ radar, but it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see the team stick with the current roster.
A free agent from last year’s team that still remains unsigned with the NBA preseason less than a month away is veteran forward Matt Barnes. With virtually no interest from the Lakers or any team around the league since the beginning of free agency on July 1, Barnes’ future in the league has looked bleak to say the least.
Barnes’ recent arrest in Manhattan Beach recently hasn’t helped matters for the NBA journeyman as it has sent up a red flag for teams that might’ve been interested in bringing him in for the veteran’s minimum.
Fortunately for Barnes, three teams have begun showing interest in signing him according to Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld.com via Twitter:
In a recent interview, free agent Matt Barnes said that he’s talking with the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) September 12, 2012
Reportedly, the Los Angeles Clippers might be the team to ultimately land Barnes according to Hoopsworld’s Eric Pincus via Twitter:
I’ve heard buzz all day from multiple sources that Clippers and Matt Barnes could happen. sulia.com/c/basketball/f…
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) September 12, 2012
Last season, Barnes averaged 7.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game for the Lakers. Those numbers dropped considerably during the playoffs as did his minutes on the floor.
Even though Barnes brings a much-needed defensive intensity, the Lakers will part ways with the forward after two years of service. Barnes was also a threat in the scoring department at times and from beyond the arc, but has been very inconsistent during his time wearing purple and gold.
If the Clippers do end up signing Barnes, it will be another veteran addition to the Lakers’ toughest competition in the Pacific division next season. The division rivals were also able to bring notable additions in Lamar Odom, Jamal Crawford and Grant Hill.
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In case you missed it – Dwight Howard talks about starting over in Los Angeles.
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