31-year old small forward Matt Barnes has exercised his $1.9 million dollar option to return to the Lakers for the 2011-12 season.  Barnes played in 53 games (0 starts) for the Lakers last year and he averaged 19.2 minutes, 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.  Barnes has now played in 497 games (162 starts) in his NBA career and he is averaging 21.1 minutes, 7.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.  The Lakers are probably happy that Barnes is coming back because he’s a solid bench player who comes at the right price.