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This is the first official post of Bringing the House and it will not be about Lebron, "The Decision," or Miami's new "Dream Team." Instead, let's talk about the team to beat. The two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, who today signed veteran gunner/badboy Matt Barnes and the aging Theo Ratliff. The Lakers signed Barnes to a two-year, $3.6 million deal. The terms of the Ratliff deal have not been released as of this moment.
I know nobody will believe me, except maybe one person, but from the moment reports leaked claiming that the Lakers were pursuing Raja Bell to bolster up their defense, toughness, and outside shooting, I immediately took a look at the free agents list to see the alternative options. Disregarding the major free agent signings (LeBron, Wade, Bosh, Stoudemire, etc.), the best move was made by the Bulls when they signed Kyle Korver. Now he's a shooter. But Raja Bell? Does anyone realize that his best days are behind him? How much of a contributor could he possibly be? He only played in six games last season. He's 33. And the last time I checked he's not a very versatile player; he plays the two, which Kobe also plays (hence why they matched up and eventually were involved in the infamous "Clothesline" play). I don't remember Bell's ball-handling being so great, and besides, the Lakers already signed Steve Blake to back up D-Fish. So not only are his deteriorating skills in question, but so too is his place/position on the roster.
Enter Matt Barnes. When I found out he was a free agent and was exploring new teams, I saw a perfect fit for the Lakers. Look, Artest is a defensive stopper, sure. But part of me thinks he's losing his edge, and I think he puts on this act because people expect it from him. Barnes, however, is actually a pain in the ass, just ask Kobe. Barnes never backed down from Kobe in previous showdowns (see this video) He's not exactly first-team all defense, but he's not afraid to get in your face and be the villain. But more important, Barnes strokes the three better than anyone the Lakers already have. He's not concerned about his scoring numbers. He hustles. So put him in the corner or run him along the wing and kick it out if his man helps off of him. Simple formula. Worked in Golden State and Orlando with him, so why not LA where they have better players that attract more attention than G-State or Orlando ever did?
According to an ESPN report it would seem that the Barnes signing means Shannon Brown is not returning, because there won't be enough room on the roster once the Lakers sign their draft picks. I'm a little bummed about Brown leaving. I think he was a really good source of energy for the Lakers off the bench. I think Barnes can replace some of that, but Brown delivered a lot of highlight plays that nobody else can produce.
As for the Ratliff signing, I was a bit confused, but I don't think it's a big deal. Andrew Bynum will really be the key this season for the Lakers' three peat efforts. And I suppose having another big man to play some minutes can only help relieve Bynum and his fragile body.
To me the Lakers' offseason moves have been very solid. Blake is a solid backup point guard. Barnes is a solid shooter and brings toughness. Ratliff adds some size and will eat minutes for Pau and Bynum. The re-signing of Fisher was important, if not for production then for leadership. And of course you still have Kobe, who remains the best player on the planet (apologies to Dwyane Wade who I think is 1A).
End note, just for humor, see this video for Kobe's reaction to Barnes' antics in the playoffs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoLM4XTZWxc
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