Matt Barnes, the former UCLA star who grew up in southern California, was introduced today as the newest Laker. Mike Trudell of Lakers.com has the highlights:
↵↵↵"It’s a lifelong dream to be a Laker. Growing up in California in the 1980’s, you had no choice but to love Laker basketball. I grew up a huge Showtime fan … Magic, Worthy, Kareem, Byron Scott. It’s come full circle now. I’ve had a hell of a road to get here, but I’m very happy to be a Laker. I just felt this was the best situation for myself and my family to succeed … historic franchise, coming off two championships looking for the third, I just felt that this was a good fit."
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Barnes will wear number nine with the Lakers.