After the Los Angeles Lakers signed free agent guard Jodie Meeks, the consensus was that the team was done with free agency and would concentrate more on the signings of rookies Robert Sacre and Darius Johnson-Odom.
Reportedly, the organization may not be done with their talks with guard Leandro Barbosa according to Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld.com via Twitter:
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
"Leandro Barbosa told @balanacesta that talks with the Lakers cooled once LA signed Jodie Meeks. However, Steve Nash has been recruiting him."
With little space on the Lakers roster, it's uncertain how interested Barbosa may be in signing with the Lakers. Apparently, no team is eager to sign the former Sixth Man of the Year and that puts him in a tough situation as he may have to resort to a role that the Lakers will provide.
If Barbosa signs with the Lakers and can prove to be a force off the bench in the backcourt , Lakers Coach Mike Brown might get him more involved with an increase in his minutes. Also if signed, Barbosa would be competing with a few players in the backcourt for playing time.
One reason that may lead Barbosa to sign is his ties with Steve Nash, who has reportedly been recruiting Barbosa to join him in L.A.
If Barbosa does sign, there's a good chance players like Andrew Goudelock, Darius Morris or Darius Johnson-Odom might end up being sent down to the D-League for the majority of the upcoming season.
Related Articles:
Los Angeles Lakers Rumors 2012: Jodie Meeks Signs Two-Year $3 Million Deal, New Piece On Team Bench
Los Angeles Lakers Rumors 2012: NBA Free Agent Leandro Barbosa of Brazil May Be Possible Solution For the Lakers