NBA Rumors: Kent Bazemore to return to Los Angeles Lakers?

Mar 4, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kent Bazemore (6) reacts after missing a shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 132-125. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

In what was a horrible season for the Los Angeles Lakers that saw them lose center Dwight Howard to the Houston Rockets in free agency, then lose guards Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, among several other players, to injuries. The Lakers finished with a record of 27-55, missing the postseason by 22 games.

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However, it wasn’t all bad – the Lakers may have found a few hidden gems, including Kent Bazemore. Bazemore was traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Lakers in a deal that sent Steve Blake to the Warriors. Bazemore was enjoying a nice season before he was, unfortunately, lost for the season with a torn tendon in his right foot.

Now, Bazemore may have a chance to cash in in free agency.

Steve Kyler reports the Lakers are very high on Bazemore and they were more than likely match a deal for him.

"The Lakers are very high on Bazemore. His offer sheet is very nominal, so it’s expected they will issue it and lock up his rights. It will become interesting if another team offers a multi-year deal. The Lakers likely match it, but if someone starts to nip at the Lakers cap space it is unclear how committed to Bazemore they really are. In 23 games with the Lakers, Bazemore averaged 13 points on 45.1 percent shooting.The smart money says he’s is back with the Lakers next season, but it seems likely someone will put a multi-year offer on the table even if it’s just something in the $1-2 million per year range."

Bazemore averaged 6.0 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game on the season, but averaged 13.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in 23 games for the Lakers.

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