The latest NBA Lakers rumors indicate that small forward Matt Barnes could be on the way out in Los Angeles. The idea is that Metta World Peace would be more than enough to make up for his departure, along with the new additions such as Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, and Antawn Jamison.
The idea that Barnes was tied for sixth in the league in technical fouls last season can't be too comforting. Of note, he was joined on the list by several other Lakers including Kobe Bryant and Metta World Peace, along with brand new addition Dwight Howard. That could just mean players on this team get heated quite often, playing in Hollywood. However, as a Bleacher Report article notes, Barnes is a skilled player, but for every great play he makes a bone-headed one. So with that in mind do the Lakers really need to worry about keeping him around?
Most likely, the answer is no. Just looking at the roster they have, minus Barnes, is staggering. There's early questions regarding Nash and Kobe getting up there in age, or Howard having issues with his back injury. However, the roster is a talented list of guys including several who are current or former All-star players.
The team roster currently has the likes of Devin Ebanks, Earl Clark, Metta World Peace, and Antawn Jamison, all of whom are decent or great forwards. Barnes averaged 7.8 points and 5.5 rebounds a game during his last season with the Lakers. These aren't earth-shattering numbers at all, and certainly won't be missed with the newest additions to the team.
Of note, Barnes actually had his third best career numbers while playing for the Orlando Magic back in 2009-10. Is it possible that he may benefit from having Dwight Howard on his team again? This is something that maybe the Lakers management needs to take a look at, or already are, or even something Dwight Howard might know the answer to. However, it really does seem like Barnes' services are no longer needed in Hollywood.
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