ABOUT MATT BARNES

Los Angeles Lakers forward Matt Barnes (born March 9th, 1980) is an eight-year NBA veteran.  Having played with such teams as the Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and the Orlando Magic, Barnes has returned to Los Angeles where his basketball career first started. 

Son of Henry and Ann Barnes, Matt, the eldest of three children, began his basketball career at UCLA.  Originally an All-American football player at Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, CA, Matt decided to play basketball over football because then-teammate (and current Utah Jazz guard) Earl Watson noticed his potential. During his collegiate career, Matt helped bring the Bruins to the NCAA tournament for four consecutive years, including three straight NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearances during Matt’s Sophomore, Junior and Senior seasons.  Barnes averaged 8.8 PPG and 4.8 RPG during his four seasons at UCLA.

Following graduation, Barnes was drafted in the second round of the 2002 NBA draft.  Originally selected by the Memphis Grizzlies, Barnes ended up played with Fayetteville Patriots of the NBA Development League before officially starting his NBA career with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2003.  His grit and rebounding ability on the defensive-end made him an attractive player to many NBA teams, landing him with the Lakers in the summer of 2010.  With the Lakers, Barnes is a key contributor off the bench and is a large component in the Lakers hopes of returning to Championship glory.    

Matt currently resides in Los Angeles, CA with his three-year old twin boys, Isaiah and Carter.  In addition to playing in the NBA, Barnes is an entrepreneur and philanthropist.  He has his own clothing line, Love The Truth, and is the founder of his foundation, Athletes vs. Cancer.  Barnes started Athletes vs. Cancer in 2008 in memory of his mother, Ann Barnes, who passed away from the disease.  The foundation unites the sports world with the community at large to raise funds, create awareness, and deliver the proper care and support to cancer patients in need.