Matt Barnes is a punk... however, I like the toughness he brings to the Lakers. One of my favorite moments was when he tried to make Kobe flinch in last year's game between the Lakers and Magic and he didn't even blink.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cZTV0wCId0&hd=1

Walton was off of his game b/c of injuries, but when he recovers... his passing is of the utmost importance to the Lakers bench. As for Mbenga... I loved this guy and hope there's a spot for him somewhere on the roster.

Powell will also be missed... along with Farmar... however I think that Blake brings other areas of strength to the table in Farmar's absence.

I am reading some things that suggest Walton's back is really messed up, and one reporter even suggested that he might have to retire. He is trying to get it worked out, but it's good they brought in Barnes - can't believe he didn't get more $$$ somewhere else. Darko gets 25 Mil. Drew Gooden like 35 Mil. Brendan Haywood like 50 Mil. I'd rather have Barnes over all those guys and he gets 3 Mil.

Yeah he's a steal at the price (in terms of what others are getting). In an interview I heard, he said himself that several teams were interested, but the interest never translated into high $$$ offers. Worked out for Lakers fans!