Lakers’ Kent Bazemore Reveals Guarding LeBron James Over the Years Is What Has Turned Him Into the Player He Is Today

In this offseason filled with surprises, the Los Angeles Lakers seem to be putting together an army that ensures an NBA championship for the next season. While nothing can be determined before they get down on the hardwood, the franchise is showing a pattern of bringing in some old members of their crew. Just like Dwight Howard, Wayne Ellington, and Trevor Ariza, who is once again going to play for the Lakers, Kent Bazemore is also making his comeback.

In fact, Bazemore gives a lot of credit for the player he is today, to his new teammate, LeBron James.

Kent Bazemore’s lifelong dream to matchup with LeBron James

Lakers have been adding a lot of veteran presence to their roster this offseason. But more than that, they don’t look like they want to take a chance on someone who hasn’t been part of the team before. Apart from Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook, they’ve added veterans to their roster that had a stint, short or long, with them at one point in their career.

And now, they have signed former Golden State Warriors‘ Kent Bazemore to a one-year veteran deal. The now 34-year-old’s first stint with the Lakers was back in 2013-14 when he played just 23 games. Unfortunately, the franchise prioritized Ryan Kelly over him.

But this time he has returned to play with the man who he dreamed to match up against once upon a team. As per Kyle Goon, “Kent Bazemore said that he always wanted to match-up with LeBron before coming to the NBA. And when he got his shot in the ECF, it was tough getting his wish: “I lost a lot of sleep having to guard him.” But he’s proud of never backing down, and that has helped define him.”

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His role with the Lakers?

Last season, Bazemore played 63 games for the Warriors and started in 18 of them. He averaged a meager 7.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1. 6 assists, but shot a career-high 40.8% from the arc. Bazemore’s 3-and-D style can land him in the starting lineup here as well.

In fact, he will play a vital role in keeping their defense intact after Alex Caruso and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope‘s exit. Also, Kent also believes that signing with the Lakers will give him a better shot at a title than with the Warriors.

His new role is will be a big change from the time he first played in Los Angeles. This time, they need him more than ever, and if Bazemore is desperate for a title, he will have to prove it on the court.

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