Newly-aquired Lakers Kent Bazemore, left, and MarShon Brooks wait at the scorers table during a timeout in the first half, Friday, February 21, 2014, at Staples Center. (Photo by Michael Owen Baker/L.A. Daily News)
Lakers reserve forward Kent Bazemore met with the Atlanta Hawks on Monday about possibly joining the team, according to a league source.
This marks the beginning of a pretty busy week for Bazemore, who has sparked a flurry of interest including the Lakers, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Golden State, Boston, Philadelphia and Utah. Meetings inquiring about Bazemore are also scheduled for Tuesday with the Spurs and for Wednesday with the Celtics. Bazemore also plans to meet with the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. It is not clear if Atlanta presented Bazemore with an offer.
Bazemore is open toward fitting in more visits with other teams should any more teams express interest. But Bazemore is expected to finalize his decision on where he plays by either next Sunday or Monday, according to a person familiar with his thinking.
The Lakers like Bazemore after acquiring from before the deadline from Golden State as part of the Steve Blake trade. Bazemore averaged 13.1 points per game through 28 appearances and showed plenty of promise with his athleticism and defensive energy. But the Lakers did not extend a $1.1 million qualifying offer that would have made Bazemore a restricted free agent, ensuring the Lakers the right to match any offer sheet he receives. This move freed up a $3 million caphold while pursuing high profile stars, such as LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.
After having surgery on his right foot on April 16, Bazemore has since progressed toward stationary shooting drills and performing light jogging, walking and biking drills. Bazemore has not progressed toward any cutting or jumping drills, but he is expected to be fully healthy well before training camp starts in late September.
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