IMO this is one heck of a trade much the same as the Lakers getting Ron Artest last year. I always liked the in your face type of defense played by Barnes especially on Kobe. The league next year will have a huge realignment of power with attention obviously being given to the Heat and their big three. As well there is great parity between East and West and it will be increasingly more difficult for the Lakers to emerge as victors of the Western Conference so to get Barnes is a big plus.