Kent Bazemore rumors: Lakers want him back, contacted by Celtics, Hawks, Mavericks & Suns
Although they suffered through a horrible season after losing center Dwight Howard to the Houston Rockets in free agency and guards Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, finishing with a record of 27-55, the Los Angeles Lakers found a few gems.
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Swingmen Jodie Meeks and Nick Young had career years.
As did Kent Bazemore, who was acquired from the Golden State Warriors in a deal that sent point guard Steve Blake to the Warriors. That’s why it came as a bit of a surprise when the Lakers decided not to make Bazemore a restricted free agent.
Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles reports the Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks have contacted Bazemore so far while Boston Celtics’ head coach Brad Stevens personally made a phone call to Bazemore. McMenamin, citing a source, went on to say the Lakers “are on board” with bringing Bazemore back next season. Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders reported the Suns’ interest.
Kent Bazemore has been contacted by DAL, ATL and BOS (by coach Brad Stevens), per league source. No Lakers so far. @MarkG_Medina had it too
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 1, 2014
Update on Kent Bazemore, the "Lakers are on board" with trying to bring him back, per a league source. Have reached out to express interest
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 1, 2014
The Hawks, Celtics, Mavericks, Lakers and Suns contacted Kent Bazemore's camp tonight, in that order, according to source.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 1, 2014
Bazemore averaged 6.0 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game on the season while shooting 42.9% from the field, 33.6% from beyond the arc and 60.5% from the free throw line. He was much better after joining the Lakers, averaging 13.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 45.1% from the floor, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 64.4% from the charity stripe.