The Los Angeles Lakers and G/F Matt Barnes have agreed on terms for two-year contract worth $3.9 million.  "Its official I AM A LOS ANGLES LAKER. I wanna thank u for all ur patients and understanding. This is a dream come true!!! Good lookn Kobe," Barnes posted on his Twitter feed.  Barnes originally thought he was going to Toronto, but after talks stalled between Orlando and Toronto, Barnes decided to take less money with the Lakers.  Barnes' addition to L.A. is a great low risk-high-reward investment.  His toughness, intensity and veteran leadership makes the Lakers a better defensive team already with Kobe Bryant and Ron Artest.  Barnes' signing continues what appears to be a growing trend in Laker Land.  Sign all of the toughest perimeter defenders so Kobe won't have to play against them in the playoffs.  First it was Artest last year, then the most recent interest in Raja Bell, and now with Barnes.  All three players were arch rivals with Bryant at one point in time in their careers.  Bell and Bryant were scheduled to meet a few weeks ago before Bell decided to sign with the Jazz prior to their meeting.  

In addition, L.A. added depth along the front line by signing Theo Ratliff, the team announced on Thursday.  The 37-year-old played 49 games last season with San Antonio and Charlotte, averaging 3.6 points and 3.2 rebounds. He revived his career while starting 26 games with the Bobcats, averaging 5.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.54 blocked shots. He has averaged 7.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.45 blocks and 25.5 minutes in his 15-year NBA career with the Pistons, 76ers, Hawks, Trail Blazers, Timberwolves, Spurs and Bobcats.