Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts with guard Austin Reaves (15) during a timeout during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts with guard Austin Reaves (15) during a timeout during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Matt Barnes seems to have made a blunt and very funny reaction to the Los Angeles Lakers‘ new reworked roster, calling it probably the whitest Lakers team in a while, but also making clear he likes the foundation that is built around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Speaking to TMZ Sports, Barnes was asked about his thoughts on the new-look Lakers after a very busy offseason that saw the franchise reshape its roster around Doncic after LeBron James’ departure.
“I mean, this is probably the whitest Laker team in a while. But again, man, when you’ve got Luka and AR out there, to me, two of the best scoring guards in the league. They’ve added some depth. So to me, I just got to see it. Everyone wants to give a hot take and predict what they feel like they’re going to do. I really just have to see.”
“This Laker team is Luka’s now, and they’re trying to build around him. But the Lakers, whether they’re up or down, if they’re down, they don’t stay down long. So it’s going to be interesting to see what the season looks like.”
Barnes’ comments were clearly delivered as a joke, but his basketball evaluation was much more measured. Rather than immediately predicting a championship run or disappointing season, the former Lakers forward said he wants to see how these pieces fit together before making any strong conclusions.
The Lakers have gone through massive changes this offseason. Doncic is now the unquestioned leader of this franchise, and Reaves remains his solid backcourt partner after signing a four-year, $185 million extension.
The Lakers also addressed several areas of need by adding Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle, and Kevon Looney.
Barnes thinks the biggest change is not around any new individual signing, but the fact that the franchise is fully built around Luka Doncic.
That transition is significant because LeBron spent eight seasons in L.A. and helped the franchise to a title. With LeBron gone, the Lakers no longer have to balance two different eras or timelines.
Now the roster is clearly designed around Doncic’s strengths as a playmaker and scorer.
The Lakers have more shooting, more creation, and a legitimate interior presence with Kessler. Doncic and Reaves give them two early offensive creators, while players such as Grimes, Sexton, and Mamukelashvili provide additional scoring and spacing.
There will be big questions about defense, chemistry, and whether all these pieces can clearly find their proper roles.
Barnes is not ready to crown them, but he’s not dismissing them either.
His initial observation about the roster might have been a joke, but his broader point was serious: Doncic and Reaves are leading the way, and the Lakers are getting ready for a new era.
Los Angeles has enough talent to be interesting, and now Barnes just wants to see if this talent translates to winning.