Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Matt Barnes sparked conversation with a blunt assessment of the team's offseason roster construction. Speaking to reporters, Barnes made a wild statement about the Lakers' new-look squad before training camp begins on September 29.
What did Matt Barnes say about the Lakers?
Matt Barnes, who played two seasons for the Lakers, didn't hold back when asked about the team's summer moves. "This is probably the whitest Laker team since the Minneapolis Lakers," Barnes said, via the New York Post. He followed the joke with a more serious basketball evaluation. The comment became a running joke on social media after the Lakers' acquisitions.
Barnes then focused on the team's backcourt talent. "But again, man, when you've got Luka and AR (Austin Reaves) out there, to me two of the best scoring guards in the league," Barnes stated. "They added some depth. To me, I just got to see it."
The Lakers were busy this offseason. They officially moved on from LeBron James, who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. Key moves included re-signing Austin Reaves to a large contract and acquiring center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz. Adding Kessler and Sandro Mamukelashvili to a group that already featured Luka Doncic, Reaves, Jake LaRavia, and Dalton Knecht fueled the online discussion Barnes referenced.
How are the Lakers preparing for the new season?
To build chemistry, Luka Doncic hosted his Lakers teammates and staff in his home country of Slovenia for team-building activities. Social media posts showed the squad enjoying golf, time on Lake Bled, and on-court workouts. A reflex drill faceoff between Doncic and Austin Reaves went viral.
Luka's father, Sasa Doncic, shared insights on the trip with Mozzart Sport. "They were there," Sasa said, via BasketNews. "They had a crazy and unforgettable time, at least that's what they say. I don't know, time will tell how it will be."
What are the expectations for this Lakers team?
The Lakers have a clear opportunity to prove doubters wrong. The pairing of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves is projected to be one of the NBA's most potent scoring backcourts. Walker Kessler appears to be a strong fit at the center position, offering rim protection and rebounding.
However, the team must overcome the memory of last season's finish. Turning that around will be the immediate focus when training camp opens. You can track their progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
The Lakers' preseason begins on October 5 against the Sacramento Kings. Their success will hinge on how quickly the new roster, with its noted composition, can gel on both ends of the floor. Barnes' comment highlights a unique roster build, but the final judgment will come from wins and losses.
