Posted by 
by Tim Povtak
ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic were beaming over the way journeyman forward Matt Barnes stayed in the face of superstar Kobe Bryant Sunday, making him work for every shot, even if he did score a game-high 34 points.
The Lakers, in an almost arrogant fashion, were laughing about it, even in defeat.
Barnes and Bryant got a double technical foul early in the second half when they tangled. They spent much of the rest of the game exchanging not-so-pleasant remarks.
“He (Barnes) got the crowd into it. (Former professional wrestler) Ric Flair does the same thing,” said Lakers veteran Lamar Odom. “He had all the wrestling regalia today. All he needed was a cape and some tights.”
Odom clearly was annoyed by the way Barnes played against the Lakers star. The Magic won, 96-94, but the Lakers had no interest in crediting Barnes.