Feb.14, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers small forward Matt Barnes (22) guards Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) in the second half of the game at the Staples Center. Clippers won 125-101. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Despite spending a couple season in the purple and gold, Matt Barnes will more likely be remembered in Laker lore for trying to go toe-to-toe with Kobe Bryant as a member of the Orlando Magic. Barnes has stated publicly the displeasure of his time with the Lakers. However, he went much farther yesterday.
Nick Young, after a workout in the Lakers facility, posted a picture to his Instagram of the banners at the Lakers practice facility. Seemingly unprovoked, Barnes inserted his two cents in the comments section…
"“Y’all laker fans are funny, y’all get out of the past.. Your run is over, 16 titles is amazing & the clippers may never surpass that, but like I said #StopLivingInThePast.. It’s our time now whether you like it or not. LA will always be a Laker town, the #Clippers are just the best team in town now. #DealWithIt”"
Considering this is coming from Barnes, this shouldn’t be all too surprising. Barnes has had no fears about voicing his opinion in the past. However, that doesn’t make it any more unnecessary. For a man that was reportedly considering joining the Lakers this summer, it’s a bit of a surprise that Barnes voiced his displeasure, especially in such a public forum.