NBA News: Ex-Lakers Enforcer Defends Veteran-Laden Roster

The Los Angeles Lakers appear solid on paper although a closer look shows most of them past their prime.

Their offseason moves have been branded as phenomenal, but seeing the franchise embarking on another NBA title quest will depend on how most of the elder statesmen can stay healthy.

Added to the mix were Dwight Howard, Wayne Ellington, Trevor Ariza, Kent Bazemore, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony.

LeBron James is also turning 37 in December, a reason why pundits are taking several swipes at the Lakers’ chances this coming season.

However, one ex-Laker who is excited to see the retooled-but-aging Lakers roster is Matt Barnes. The 41-year-old suited up for the ballclub from 2010 to 2012.

As far as Barnes is concerned, the older roster is a good thing when he spoke to TMZ Sports.

"I think you know, they’re saying the team is old, but they got a lot of experience, a lot of great players. So, I'm excited to see what happens,” Barnes stated.

However, the one-time NBA champion did agree that for the Lakers to win the title, everyone needs to find a way to keep themselves healthy.

Assuming this is addressed, the 6-foot-7 player feels that the experience they bring would make the Lakers a team to watch this coming 2021-22 season.

"I just think older people work smarter, so they're going to understand how to work even when they need to do the work during the season and understand that it's a marathon, and I think they're going to be okay with it," he explained.

Barnes’ comments come not long after Anthony brushed off concerns by many about their lineup.

"I like when people talk about the age. It gives a better story. I think it gives a better story. I think people forget, at the end of the day, it's about basketball. You got to know how to play basketball. You got to have that experience. I think that's what we bring at this point and time. Our talent, our skill, but also our experience," Anthony stated.