Free Agent Matt Barnes wants a return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season – NBA News
Matt Barnes is one of the better defenders in the NBA, who is able to come off the bench and make a difference on both ends of the floor and is a surprise that he is still a free agent and has not been picked up by any team yet.
Barnes is a defense minded player who is very athletic and willing to play in whatever role his team wants to use him. Any team would want a player like that, including the Lakers for whom he played last season.
The Lakers do not look like they are interested in Barnes, as they have recruited pretty much everyone they are looking to acquire in the offseason and have their roster nearly filled. As far as they are concerned, their offseason
recruiting is almost finished and Barnes is not one of those who got an offer from them.
Still, Barnes wants to play for the Lakers. In an interview with TMZ, Barnes expressed his desire to return to Los Angeles next season.
“I’m actually a free agent right now. 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,” said Barnes.
Barnes joins a long list of players that want to be part of the Lakers franchise. The Lakers are one of the most successful franchises in NBA history and have always remained relevant in the league. They are never far from assembling
a roster that is capable of winning an NBA championship, which is why players like to be associated with the team. With the addition of Steve Nash and Dwight Howard in the offseason, the Lakers are in top contention for the NBA title next season, and many
players want to be a part of the franchise at this point of time, particularly those who have been associated with the team the past few seasons. Plus, Los Angeles is a great place to live with the weather and Hollywood close by.
Barnes averaged 7.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in almost 23 minutes per game for the Lakers last season, meaning that he is a talented role player who can contribute to the team.
If the Lakers do not sign him, he is surely going to get a good contract in some other team, provided that team can handle all the histrionics and eccentric attitude that comes as baggage with Barnes.
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