When you think of summer what comes to mind? The beach? Grilling? Cold beer? How about Matt Barnes busting out his pimp hand on unsuspecting folks at a summer league game? Perhaps not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of those warm months during the year. None the less Barnes’ summer league antics are quickly becoming tradition.
As you’ll recall, last summer Barnes made his first headlines as a Laker by slapping an assistant coach during a summer league contest. Not one to rest on his laurels, Barnes upped the ante by reportedly punching an opposing player this time around.
While there is video of the latest incident it only follows the action that occurred after the supposed punch was thrown.
For those keeping score at home this is about the fourth incident Barnes has been involved in during his first 365 days as a Laker. First there was the summer league slap. Next came the domestic dispute in NorCal. During the regular season Barnes was suspend for game after mixing it up with the Mavs. And just to bookend his first year in Los Angeles Barnes comes full circle with another summer league altercation.
Far be it for me to pass judgment on Barnes. Dude has always had the reputation as a hot head. Aside from the energy he brings off the pine, the Lakers had to like his bullying nature as well. Certainly Kobe learned to gain a certain respect for the manner in which Barnes conducts his business.
Keeping all of that in mind, Barnes is coming off knee surgery. His production dipped heavily during the regular season and he’s got an expiring deal that could be packaged in a trade. Just sayin’…