Matt Barnes has a special history with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Magic signed the journeyman small forward last year after the Lakers trounced them in the 2008-09 NBA Finals in five games. The theory was that, in the event of a rematch, Barnes could use his special “defense” to throw Kobe Bryant off of his game. That defense is annoying, pestering, poking, and prodding until he gets under his opponents’ skin. And now he’ll be doing that for the Lakers after signing a two-year deal worth $3.6 million.

Barnes specifically drew attention by jawing with Bryant during the Magic and Lakers’ first rematch at the Staples Center in January. The Lakers won that game by 6, but the Magic bounced back and won their second matchup in March. That game was highlighted by Barnes ball-checking Bryant’s face on an inbound pass. So how can these two be expected to get along now that they’re teammates? Easy. It was all just some sweet, sweet flirting.

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There isn’t anything particularly entertaining about this clip, but it’s what passes for drama in the NBA.  In last night’s Suns-Rockets game (Houston won 94-82), the Suns’ Matt Barnes took a cheap shot at Rafer Alston when his screen became more of a shove.  Alston charged Barnes, Steve Nash came into the fray, Nash was pushed to the floor by Tracy McGrady, then McGrady was pushed to the floor by Shaq.  No one is big enough to push Shaq to the floor, so that was pretty much that.  Barnes and Alston were ejected, seven techs were handed out, and the game continued.

A lot of people are crediting the coaches and refs for keeping this under control, but I’d like to think that the soothing influence of Ron Artest had something to do with it as well.

Elsewhere: Paul Pierce game-winner… Oden returns in win… Lakers 7-0.