Kent Bazemore's journey in professional basketball is characterized by his adaptability and perseverance. Born on July 1, 1989, in Kelford, North Carolina, Bazemore attended Old Dominion University, where he played college basketball and developed a reputation as a strong defensive player. Despite going undrafted in the 2012 NBA Draft, his determination to succeed in the league was evident.
Bazemore began his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors, signing with the team in July 2012. Initially, he spent much of his time with the Warriors' D-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience. His time with Golden State was marked by limited playing opportunities, but he made the most of his chances, showcasing his defensive prowess and energy off the bench.
In February 2014, Bazemore was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he saw increased playing time and began to demonstrate his potential as a two-way player. During his stint with the Lakers, he averaged 13.1 points per game, a career-high at that point, and started in 15 of the 23 games he played. This performance helped him secure a contract with the Atlanta Hawks in September 2014.
Bazemore's tenure with the Hawks proved to be a turning point in his career. Over five seasons with Atlanta, he became a regular starter and an integral part of the team's rotation. Known for his defensive skills, Bazemore also improved his offensive game, averaging double-digit points per game in multiple seasons. His best statistical season came in 2017-2018 when he averaged 12.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
In June 2019, Bazemore was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. His time in Portland was brief, as he was traded again in January 2020 to the Sacramento Kings. With the Kings, Bazemore continued to provide veteran leadership and defensive intensity, contributing off the bench and occasionally starting games.
Bazemore returned to the Golden State Warriors for the 2020-2021 season, bringing his career full circle. During this season, he played a valuable role as a veteran presence on a team that was in transition, providing depth and experience. He averaged 7.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, helping the Warriors in their push for a playoff spot.
In August 2021, Bazemore signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for a second stint. However, his role was more limited compared to his previous time with the team, as the Lakers had a roster filled with veteran talent. Despite this, Bazemore continued to contribute when called upon, offering his defensive skills and experience to the team.
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