Los Angeles Lakers Offseason Recap: If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them

As they say it,"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."

This very saying has become reality for the Lakers in recent years. First with Ron Artest, and now Matt Barnes goes from foes to bros with Kobe Bryant in the last 24 hours.

Crazy how relationships can change so dramatically in a blink of an eye.

With Matt Barnes, Theo Ratliff also came. Not from the same deal but both came at about the same time, but one thing is for sure, both can tremendously help the Lakers in their own unique way.

Matt Barnes can provide tenacious defense, an ability to make an open outside shot, and he can create his own shot by going to the basket.

Theo Ratliff can provide his veteran experience and his big-body frame to back up Bynum in case of fatigue or injury throughout the season. Theo's greatest strength is his strength. Theo has been known to be a very good defender and has been known to be a very aggressive rebounder back in his golden days, which is what the Lakers could always use.

I'd say these two additions to the team, with Steve Blake, will fill most of the gaps for the returning champs.

But what about Shannon Brown?

There have been many rumors about Brown: Will he leave for more money? Will he be willing to take minimum to win another potential championship?

I mean Shannon is still valuable to this Laker team and if there is a way to bring him back, I'd hope they do so.

Many argue that Brown hurts the Lakers in many ways; he can't handle the ball, he can't make smart decisions, he doesn't take good shots. People forget that Brown was probably the most consistent shooter off the bench for the Lakers.

Throughout the season and playoffs he continued to awe fans with his highlight reels day in and day out, but what impressed me the most was his efficiency.

It's hard to have a somewhat unknown rotation and come in and be expected to perform at a high level. For someone like Kobe it may be a walk at the park, but for Shannon Brown, who is still trying to make a name for himself, it must feel like the whole world is on his shoulders.

I feel as though Farmar was overrated merely because he was out of UCLA and everyone wanted him to be another Westbrook or another successful UCLA guard. That is why Brown gained minimum respect for his underrated performances throughout the season.

With Farmar gone, the Lakers could always use a combo guard like Shannon Brown to come off the bench with various lineups to provide some energy.

Overall the Lakers have had one of the most successful offseasons I've ever seen. Miami may have gained a superstar and a star but the Lakers have filled their potential gaps and they have been very smart with their players. This team will mold into a masterpiece if they can stay healthy.

"I love L.A.
I love L.A.
(We love it)"

Lets go Lakers!