The Lakers signed guard and UCLA alumnus Matt Barnes and center Theo Ratliff to contracts today, pushing their roster to 11 signed players. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reported the Barnes deal was for two years, $3.6 million:
Barnes will likely sign the contract on Friday. The deal will pay him $1.7 million next season and give him a player option for $1.9 million in 2011-12.
Barnes confirmed the signing via Twitter on Thursday night:
Its official I AM A LOS ANGLES LAKER. I wanna thank u for all ur patients and understanding. This is a dream come true!!! Good lookn Kobe.
David Aldridge of NBA.com noted that Barnes, who averaged 8.8 points and 25.9 minutes per game with the Orlando Magic last season, will use up the remainder of the mid-level exception, the other $4 million going to Steve Blake. Aldridge also reported Ratliff signed for the veteran’s minimum of $1.35 million.
In a press release from the team, Ratliff was happy to join the two-time defending NBA champs:
"I’ve had a long and very rewarding career, and joining a storied and legendary franchise such as the Lakers adds an even more special element," Ratliff said. "I look forward to playing for Coach Jackson and with great players such as Kobe, Derek, Pau, Lamar, Ron Artest, Andrew Bynum and all my other new teammates, and hopefully to helping the Lakers win a third straight championship."
The 37-year old Ratliff played 49 games last season, splitting time between Charlotte and San Antonio.
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