To the extent Barbosa's free-agent future sparks speculation, anyway.
There's a perfectly compelling case to be made for what he'd bring to the Lakers' bench, but that case deserves a second thought or two. Los Angeles could use a reliable backup point guard, but Barbosa probably isn't that point guard.
He really isn't much of a point guard at all, though his size, quickness and ball-handling skills make him a better fit at the point than anywhere else.
Barbosa might have some success playing alongside Nash, but the Lakers need a guy who can give Nash rest or replace him in the event of an injury. Unless you believe Steve Blake or Chris Duhon is an adequate insurance policy, GM Mitch Kupchak still has some work to do.
That doesn't mean he'll turn to Barbosa.
The Jodie Meeks signing makes the Brazilian spark plug redundant. Los Angeles needs a guy who can create shots for Meeks and Antawn Jamison, not someone who will take shots away from them.
Barbosa hasn't averaged more than 2.6 assists a game since 2006-07, but he's never been shy about shooting. A shoot-first combo-guard can certainly serve a function in this league—just not the one L.A. needs.
The Lakers also need a point guard who can defend the perimeter, and that's definitely not Babrosa. C.J. Watson might have been a nice option before he signed with the Brooklyn Nets, but a perfectly reasonable solution may be right under our noses.
Los Angeles acquired point guard Chris Duhon from the Orlando Magic, and on-ball defense is really the one thing he does consistently well.
It's unclear how and when head coach Mike Brow...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
