The latest NBA Lakers rumors of the 2012 offseason indicate that Matt Barnes could be staying in Los Angeles. However, it might not be as a member of the Lakers, but instead as a part of "Lob City" and the LA Clippers. Will Barnes be a good fit for the other LA team, and will the Lakers mind?
Earlier today, Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated notes in his recent report that Chris Paul wants Barnes as part of the squad. Apparently Paul has been given more input into the big decision-making for the team, seeing as he will enter free agency after this season. Adding Barnes to the Clippers roster would really beef up the bench for the Clips, which currently includes other offseason acquisitions such as Grant Hill, Jamal Crawford, and Lamar Odom.
Barnes actually debuted with the Clippers back in 2004, so it would certainly be a welcome return. Back then in his rookie season, he averaged 4.5 points a game along with 4 boards and just over 1 assist. His best career numbers actually came during his 2008-09 stint with Phoenix when he averaged over 10 points a game, 5.5 rebounds, and almost 3 assists. Other teams he's been a part of during his time in the NBA include the Kings, Knicks, Sixers, Warriors, and Magic. He was pretty amazing in the 2007 playoffs while with Golden State, and the Clippers are hoping he could bolster their shots at competing in the Western Conference.
With the talents of Matt Barnes, the Lakers' loss would be the Clippers' gain. However, the Lakers have made even bigger gains with Dwight Howard and Steve Nash. Those two players have brought instant championship talk back to LA, while Chris Paul and Blake Griffin can only hope to get out of that shadow in the near future.
(Image Source: Keith Allison | Wikimedia)
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