So far in summer league play, the Los Angeles Lakers seem to have an unexpected gem in forward Darius Bazley. Bazley, a former first-round draft pick who has five years of NBA experience, has played with plenty of energy and made plenty of plays on defense while getting points on fast breaks, forays to the hoop and from the free throw line.
He has also helped out on the boards, and people are saying that the Lakers should, at the very least, invite the 6-foot-9, 25-year-old to training camp.
Bazley didn’t play in the NBA this past season and instead spent the year in the Chinese Basketball Association and the G League. He posted 12 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks, four assists and two steals in Saturday’s 94-81 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, and afterward, he talked about how he’s determined to make it back into the NBA.
Via Lakers Nation:
“It’s been fun, it’s fun for me in a way because I’m on a mission to try and revamp my career, get back to prove I belong out there,” Bazley said. “I can help a team win, contribute to winning. So, it’s been fun in that aspect, just trying to prove that every night. Just what I can bring every night, what they can rely on me for every night, if they pick me up, I’m going to defend at a high level, knock down shots. I’ve been taking strides on my shot and really my growth as a player, being a lot more decisive and connecting more on the offense. Helping and plugging into guys, I’m going to speak towards the Lakers, like LeBron [James] and Luka [Doncic] and stuff like that.”
Bazley has NBA career stats of 8.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in 23.4 minutes a game. One cannot fully judge him on how he has played in summer league, and he has yet to show the ability to consistently knock down open shots and free throws.
But he can apparently guard wings, which is an ability the Lakers badly need, and he possesses ample athleticism and a strong motor. Perhaps he could work his way into the Lakers’ roster by continuing to work hard and play well.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Darius Bazley says he’s ‘on a mission’ to return to the NBA