After losing such players as PG Jordan Farmar (New Jersey Nets) and C Josh Powell (Atlanta Hawks) to free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired a few names they hope will help contribute to a third straight NBA tittle. Filling the void of the 6 foot 9 inch Josh Powell, is veteran power forward/center Theo Ratliff. Although Ratliff is 10-years older than his predecessor Powell, he adds a shot-blocking ability that hasn't been seen in L.A. since Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004. Throughout his 15-year NBA career, Ratliff has led the league in blocks per game three times and is fifth among active players in total blocks. Not as well known for his offense as he is his defense, Ratliff was an All-Star in 2001, a year he split time with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks. Among other career highlights, Ratliff has made the All-Defensive Second Team twice in his career (1999 and 2004).
The other notable signing the Lakers have made this offseason, is one that may raise a few eyebrows. Having been a thorn in the side of Kobe Bryant this past season was Matt Barnes. While with the Orlando Magic last year, Barnes and Bryant had numerous incidents and often had to be separated. One moment that sticks out more than the rest, is when Barnes faked a toss to Kobe's head trying to get him to flinch. Bryant however, didn't budge and words were exchanged. That will no longer have to be the case as Barnes and the Lakers agreed to a 2-year deal worth $3.6 Million dollars. While opting out of his final year of 2-year deal he had signed with Orlando last offseason, the 30 year old Barnes was in search of a new place to play. That was until none other than Kobe Bryant reached out to him. And believe it or not, according to Barnes, Kobe played a big part in the recruiting effort via text, phone, and face to face within management.
Kobe said about the signing, "Anyone crazy enough to mess with me is crazy enough to play with me." Upon inking his new deal, Barnes thanked Kobe via Twitter -- "Good lookin out Kobe!" The signing of Barnes comes nine days after Kobe tried recruiting another one of his on-court rivals -- Raja Bell, who instead signed a 3-year contract with the Utah Jazz. Just a year ago the Lakers did the unthinkable by signing free-agent Ron Artest to a 5-year deal. Months prior to the agreement, Kobe and Artest had a beef in the Western Conference Semifinals, similar to that of Kobe and Barnes. And if it wasn't for Kobe and Artest who proved me wrong this past season, I'd say there's no way Kobe and Barnes can coexist and play alongside one another. The lesson learned here -- keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Barnes, a UCLA product and Southern California native who was drafted in the 2nd Round, 46th overall in 2002 by the Memphis Grizzlies, grew up rooting for the then Magic Johnson led Lakers which was dubbed the moniker 'Show Time'. Barnes has averaged 7 PPG throughout his career and will serve off the bench as a threat behind the 3-point arch. For what it's worth, Barnes becomes the first player in NBA history to play for all four California based NBA teams. The Los Angeles Clippers (2004), Sacramento Kings (2004-2005), Golden State Warriors (2006-2008), and now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
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