The Los Angeles Lakers have answered some of their frontcourt issues with the addition of Deandre Ayton and by re-signing Jaxson Hayes, but their lack of depth remains a concern. With the team’s Summer League campaign seeing some standout performances, the Purple and Gold could address their problems with depth by signing Darius Bazley to a team-friendly deal.
Former Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley is making a strong case for having a place in the NBA. The forward last appeared in the NBA with the Utah Jazz during the 2023-24 season. Following that stint, the 25-year-old went overseas to play professionally in China.
After a season overseas, Bazley is attempting to return to the league, joining the Lakers’ Summer League squad. While the attention has primarily been on players like Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, and Cole Swider, the ex-Thunder forward has made an impressive push to enter the limelight.
It is safe to say that Bazley has been one of the team’s best players thus far. Before the Las Vegas Summer League, the forward stood out for his tremendous performances at the California Classic, even helping the Purple and Gold secure a 2-1 record.
His most impressive performance at the California Classic came against the San Antonio Spurs, when the forward recorded 27 points, 13 rebounds to go with two blocks.
27 PTS 💥 13 REB 💥 25 MIN
Darius Bazley ended the California Classic with a BANG! He came off the bench and posted a huge double-double including the game-winning dunk for the @Lakers. #NBASummer pic.twitter.com/OXuSkkZgIL
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) July 9, 2025
Bazley’s elite athleticism has been reflected on both ends of the floor, with his shot-blocking ability gaining particular attention. While not known for his three-point shooting, his productivity from the perimeter has been quietly consistent in a limited capacity.
The 25-year-old has remained effective even as the Summer League action has shifted to Las Vegas. In the game against the Dallas Mavericks, Bazley started off slow, recording eight points and 11 rebounds in the 87-85 loss.
Now coming off a 94-81 win against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Purple and Gold have secured their first win of the tournament.
In his second game as a starter, Bazley put up a solid performance of 12 points and 10 rebounds against the Pelicans. His defensive prowess stood out, as the forward recorded a remarkable five blocks to anchor the team’s defense.
Cole Swider’s marksmanship and Darius Bazley’s rim protection led the @lakers to their first victory in Vegas! #NBASummer
👏 Swider: 21 PTS, 10 REB, 4 3PM
👏 Bazley: 12 PTS, 10 REB, 5 BLK pic.twitter.com/SvBo6SX8s3
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) July 13, 2025
By the looks of it, the showdown for a frontcourt roster spot will come down to Cole Swider and Darius Bazley.
Swider’s offensive output cannot be overlooked in this context. But Bazley’s impact on both ends of the floor, his athleticism, and his experience of being in the NBA could all be considered relevant factors, making a solid case for the Purple and Gold to give him an opportunity.
For his career, the 25-year-old has recorded an average of 8.9 points and 5.2 rebounds. This is solid productivity for a role player coming off the bench.
Given the Lakers’ need for wing depth, Bazley could be a viable fallback option if their preferred targets fall through. When also considering the kind of players the Purple and Gold are willing to include in trade negotiations, the forward might find himself in a favorable position as potential roster spots become vacant.
