Los Angeles Lakers: 4 reasons why LA should sign Kent Bazemore

By Jason Reed | Nov 16, 2020

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 22: Kent Bazemore #26 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after making a three point basket during the second quarter in a game against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on February 22, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Kent Bazemore is a fantastic wing defender

It is really important for the Los Angeles Lakers to get wins that are plus defenders. The Los Angeles Clippers have the best wing duo in the league in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. It does not stop there, though, as the Lakers will need to be able to slow down the likes of Klay Thompson and potentially even Kevin Durant.

The Lakers’ bread and butter was their defense and Frank Vogel did a phenomenal job in making the most out of the players in his roster and effectively shutting down most threats in the NBA Playoffs.

The Lakers already had great defensive players but they also got the most out of players such as Rajon Rondo and even LeBron James in order to play lockdown defense in the playoffs. They shut down several high-scoring teams in Portland, Houston and Denver.

Bazemore fits that defensive identity to a tee and would be maximized even further in Vogel’s system. In fact, you could make the case that Bazemore is an even better defender than Danny Green.

Bazemore posted a 1.78 defensive PIPM last season. For comparison’s sake, Green posted a 1.13 D-PIPM. Bazemore actually ranked 42nd in the entire NBA in D-PIPM.

Bazemore is long as well. While Green is two inches taller than Bazemore, Bazemore’s wingspan is two inches longer. Having a long perimeter defender is key for any contending team.

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