Barnes' "perfect game" included 5 of 5 from three-point range and 5 of 5 from the free throw line in just under 24 minutes off the bench. In the last 25 years, only Charles Barkley and Gary Payton have had at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in a game without missing a shot.
Barnes led a balanced Lakers attack that received 23 points and eight rebounds from Kobe Bryant, 16 points, 14 rebounds and six assists from Pau Gasol, and 11 points, eight rebounds and seven assists from Lamar Odom.
Derek Fisher and Shannon Brown combined for 23 points as the Lakers shot 10 of 19 from the three-point line and 22 of 26 from the charity stripe. Odom took it upon himself to shut down his Team USA teammate Kevin Love, who embarrassed him in their last matchup with a 23-point, 24-rebound performance less than two weeks ago.
Love, the NBA's leading rebounder, managed only seven boards and was held scoreless on 0 of 7 shooting from the field.
Phil Jackson had the quote of the night, telling the media about his chat with Odom after the first game. “I told him, ‘I know why Kevin made the USA team, because he practiced against you every day.”’
The Lakers depth was on full display once again Friday night as the Lakers' second unit, dubbed "The Renegades" by Jackson, showed how dominant they can be. When Andrew Bynum returns to the starting lineup (likely in three weeks), the Renegades will add potential All-Star Lamar Odom to their unit.
A second unit of Steve Blake, Shannon Brown, Barnes, Odom and whoever else you want to include would likely make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. This Lakers team is already sh...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
