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Lakers free agency: Fred VanVleet and 4 other Klutch clients LA could sign

By Jason Reed

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 24: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on March 24, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 24: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on March 24, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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Darius Bazley Lakers
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) – Darius Bazley Lakers /

3. Darius Bazley

Darius Bazley is a restricted free agent with the Phoenix Suns this offseason. Phoenix has the ability to match any offer sheet that Bazley gets from another team to keep him in Phoenix. For a team that is lacking depth, it seems unlikely that they would just let Bazley walk away.

That being said, it is not like the Suns have really shown a liking towards Bazley. The team acquired him in a trade for Dario Saric in a move that seemed like it was just meant to save some money for the 2022-23 season.

Once in Phoenix, Bazley appeared in only seven games and was not a member of the playoff rotation despite how thin the Suns were. All that being said, it seems like Phoenix would be more than okay letting him walk this summer.

But if a contender like the Suns are not interested, why should the Lakers be?

Darius Bazley has a lot of potential as a hidden gem for the Lakers

Phoenix may not have seen the vision with Bazley but there certainly is a vision there. Bazley has all the makings of being a solid stretch four that comes off the bench and plays 15-20 minutes a game in the regular season.

Better yet, he actually played serviceable defense while he was with the OKC Thunder as well. It isn’t anything that jumps off the screen but Bazley is an effective two-way player who has value off the ball.

Bazley shot 40% from three in 1.3 attempts per game with the Thunder. If the Lakers could get that off the bench, even if he is just a regular-season player, it would be fantastic. Bazley might not be as big of a name as others on this list, but he is still solid.

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