Matt Barnes makes ‘whitest Laker team’ joke after busy offseason

The Los Angeles Lakers have had an eventful offseason, headlined by the departure of LeBron James in free agency, as well as a sign-and-trade for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. Additionally, the Lakers signed guard Austin Reaves to a long-term maximum contract extension, securing his future as Luka Doncic’s running mate for the long haul.

Some have noted the relatively large number of white players that the Lakers have on their roster heading into this season, including former Lakers wing Matt Barnes, calling them the “whitest Laker team since the Minneapolis Lakers,” via TMZ Sports, per Thomas L. Murray of the New York Post.

However, Barnes made it clear that he still thinks the Lakers can accomplish some things this year.

“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. They added some depth,” Barnes said. “To me, I just got to see it. Everyone wants to give a hot take and predict what they feel like they’re gonna do.”

Doncic and Reaves are indeed one of the most electric scoring and playmaking backcourts in the league, although it remains to be seen if the Lakers have compiled enough length and athleticism around them in order to compensate for their well-documented shortcomings on defense.

Meanwhile, Kessler gives the Lakers a legit rim protector and lob threat to pair with Doncic, and should help solidy Los Angeles in the paint, even if their perimeter defense remains a major question mark.

In any case, the Lakers are set to kick off their new season on October 21 with a home game against the Golden State Warriors.

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