Lakers Matt Barnes: Kobe liked my crazy game

Matt Barnes explained that his route to L.A. was largely because of Bryant, the player with whom he has a bumpy past. “He told me one day that anyone crazy enough to mess with me is crazy enough to play with me,” Barnes said. Barnes, a forward who averaged 8.8 points and 25.9 minutes a game last season for the Orlando Magic, is on his seventh team in eight years. It appeared he would be heading to Toronto in a sign-and-trade deal, but that fell through. Other teams appeared interested, but Barnes eventually signed for less money in order to pursue a championship with the Lakers, who at most can pay him $1.77 million next season; Barnes also has a player option for about $2 million in 2011-12. “I’m coming to a team that’s won two straight titles, so I hope to be a small piece that helps them win No. 3,” said Barnes, who will wear No. 9 and is expected to bolster the Lakers’ perimeter defense. — LA Times