Barea exposes Lakers defense, or lack thereof

The Lakers have always had difficulty with quick, penetrating point guards, turning unfamiliar bench players into household names: Aaron Brooks of the Rockets in 2009, Goran Drajic of the Suns in 2010, and most recently in the second round of the 2011 NBA Playoffs, Jose Juan Barea of the Mavericks.

Undrafted in the 2006 NBA draft, 6-0, 175 pound Barea signed with the Mavericks after playing in the NBA Summer Vegas League. While his impact on the game was apparent through the box score (22 points, 8 assists in game four), it was his ability to get under the skin of the Lakers and to disrupt them on the defensive end that proved even more valuable.Throughout the series, and particularly in game four, Barea was able to weave through the defense and easily penetrate to the basket. He made five of his nine field goals in the paint compared to Lakers big men Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum who combined for only three field goals inside. He caused miscommunication on the pick-and-roll and frustrated players - both Ron Artest and Bynum were ejected for flagrant fouls on Barea. 

It will be interesting to see what happens with the Lakers roster this offseason considering Magic Johnson’s recent comments that Dr. Jerry Buss should “blow up” the team if they are swept by the Mavericks. While it is unknown what will happen to the team, one thing is clear: the Lakers have consistently been outplayed by quick point guards and need to find an answer.