Former NBA champion Matt Barnes called the current Los Angeles Lakers roster the "whitest Laker team since the Minneapolis Lakers" in a recent video with TMZ Sports. Barnes made the joking remark while analyzing the team's significant offseason overhaul. NY Post Sports first reported the story.
What did Matt Barnes say about the Lakers?
Barnes cracked a smile as he delivered his lighthearted observation about the team's composition. He quickly shifted to praising the Lakers' core building efforts. "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 said. "They added some depth. To me, I just got to see it." His comments highlight the major transition the franchise is undergoing.
The Lakers are entering the first season of the Luka Dončić era following LeBron James's departure after an eight-year stint. The front office has aggressively built around their new superstar. They fulfilled Dončić's request for a big man by acquiring center Walker Kessler via sign-and-trade, giving him a four-year, $130 million extension.
How have the Lakers built around Luka Dončić?
Securing Dončić's backcourt partner was another priority. The Lakers extended Austin Reaves with a four-year, $185 million maximum contract that includes a player option in the final year. This investment signals Reaves is seen as a foundational piece alongside Dončić for the long term.
Beyond the stars, the Lakers have assembled a new supporting cast. They added perimeter defenders and shooters like Quentin Grimes and Matisse Thybulle. The front office also brought in Collin Sexton for backcourt scoring, Sandro Mamukelashvili for frontcourt depth, and Ziaire Williams. This group aims to provide the defensive versatility and shooting needed in the modern NBA.
What is the outlook for the Lakers this season?
Barnes acknowledged the uncertainty but pointed to the Lakers' historical resilience. "They’re trying to build around him." he said. "The Lakers, whether they’re up or down, when they’re down, they don’t stay down long." The team's performance will be one of the biggest stories to watch.
The pressure is on for this new-look squad to gel quickly. Their early schedule, which you can check on our schedule page, will be a major test. Success will depend on Dončić's MVP-level play, Reaves's continued development, and how well the new role players fit. After missing the playoffs last year, the organization expects a return to contention. Fans will get their first real look at this group when the season tips off.