Former Lakers forward Matt Barnes weighed in on the franchise’s new direction as Luka Dončić prepares to lead a dramatically different roster.
The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a new era following LeBron James’ departure, and former NBA forward Matt Barnes offered his perspective on what the franchise accomplished during James’ tenure and where it goes from here.
Barnes spoke exclusively with RoundTable at the Harold & Carole Pump Foundation gala, an event supporting cancer care, families affected by the disease and nonprofit organizations making a difference in their communities.
The former Lakers forward acknowledged James experienced highs and lows during his eight seasons in Los Angeles but believes the four-time MVP delivered under the pressure that comes with playing for the franchise.
“I think LeBron did a great job, not only repping himself and his family, but the Lakers,” Barnes said. “He left it all out there for eight years. He got a chip in that eight years, and he’s on to Philly. I wish him nothing but the best of luck.”
Apr. 7, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los AngelesLakersforwardMattBarnesduring the game against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated theLakers125-105. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsMatt Barnes Defends LeBron James’ Lakers Legacy
James joined the Lakers in 2018 and led the franchise to its 17th NBA championship in 2020, ending a title drought that began after Kobe Bryant’s final championship in 2010.
His time with the organization also included injuries, roster changes and several disappointing postseason finishes, leading to constant debate about whether the Lakers accomplished enough during his tenure.
Barnes believes that criticism often overlooked how much James contributed to the franchise.
“Obviously, this team plays for championships, and they got one, but I think he takes a lot of the blame because he’s so great,” Barnes said. “But I think while he was here, he was amazing.”
Mar 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forwardMattBarnes(22) is defended by Los AngelesLakersforward Kobe Bryant (24) during an NBA game at Staples Center. TheLakersdefeated the Grizzlies 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsJames signed with the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason, officially handing control of the Lakers’ offense to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
The change gives L.A. a younger foundation, but it also creates questions about whether the roster has enough defensive personnel to compete in the Western Conference.
Barnes pointed to that concern when evaluating the team’s offseason additions.
“They’ve built some depth,” Barnes said. “I think they need more defensive depth. But on the scoring side, AR and Luka are going to be a handful for every backcourt in the league.”
Nov 2, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers forward MattBarnes(22) at the Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Lakers 105- 95. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsBarnes Sees Potential in Lakers’ Offseason Additions
The Lakers acquired center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz and signed several rotation players, including Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Kevon Looney, Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle.
Kessler gives L.A. a shot-blocking center and potential pick-and-roll partner for Dončić, while Sexton provides additional ballhandling and scoring.
Barnes said the organization appears to have considered what helped Dončić succeed earlier in his career with the Dallas Mavericks.
Apr 15, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los AngelesLakersforwardMattBarnes(9) is fouled by Dallas Mavericks guard Delonte West (13) in overtime at the Staples Center. TheLakersdefeated the Mavericks 112-108 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports“I like they got pieces. They got a lot of pieces,” Barnes said. “And obviously, understanding the success that Luka had and what he had with success in Dallas with the type of pieces, I think they’ve been able to go out and get those type of pieces for him in L.A.”
Still, Barnes is not ready to make any sweeping predictions before seeing how the roster fits together.
“It’s interesting to see how Walker Kessler fits out here and some of the other pieces they’ve grabbed,” Barnes said. “I think everyone likes to make hot takes on what they don’t like or like, but I’m someone that likes to see and base my opinion on what I’ve seen. So we’re going to have to see what happens.”
The Lakers will get their first opportunity to answer those questions when they open the season Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors.
