The Los Angeles Lakers have made several moves during NBA free agency, but the team also has their eyes on the future. Los Angeles is preparing for NBA Summer League and revealed the team’s roster.
There were some notable names on the Lakers roster, including a few players who were not previously reported. Los Angeles landed college basketball’s leading scorer in 2024-25 in former Villanova standout Eric Dixon.
Additionally, the team added ex-North Carolina star RJ Davis, but both of these additions were already revealed.
Other intriguing players include Julian Reese, the former Maryland big man is the brother of WNBA star Angel Reese. Yet, a new name emerged who will be part of the Lakers Summer League team.
Los Angeles added former first-round pick Darius Bazley to the mix. The forward was selected by the Utah Jazz with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, a pick that was moved to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The news comes after the Lakers landed Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia as part of the team’s NBA free agency moves.
Here’s what you need to know about Bazley’s addition to the Lakers.
Dariu Bazley Skipped College & Opted for a New Balance Internship Before Becoming a 1st-Round Pick in the 2019 NBA Draft
Bazley’s best season came in 2020-21 when the forward averaged 13.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game in 55 starts. The 25-year-old served as a starter for the Thunder for two seasons.Back home which means I have time to revisit film from the NBA Combine. Thought Darius Bazley helped himself as much as anyone considering the circumstances and the fact that he’s still only 18. Body has improved and talent really popped on both ends. Looked like a 1st round pick
The forward last played in the NBA during the 2023-24 season for the Utah Jazz. Here is how NBADraftRoom.com described Bazley in a scouting report heading into The Association.
“A unique all-around talent who can score, pass, rebound and defend. Bazley has the kind of size, length and skill set that makes NBA scouts drool,” the outlet detailed on Bazley. “On offense he can face up from the perimeter and operate in the high post, where he can hit the mid range shot or find cutters for easy buckets.
“His vision and feel for the game really stand out and he has good handles for this stage in his development, showing the ability to drive the lane with either hand. He can make plays off the dribble and he plays with his head up, making good decisions with the ball.”
Bronny James & Dalton Knecht Are Also on the Lakers Summer League Roster
It is not just players fighting to make the Lakers roster who will be suiting up this summer. Dalton Knecht and Bronny James are also on the Lakers Summer League roster. LeBron James’ son’s future has been the subject of speculation as trade rumors swirl around his father.
“I said, ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about,’” Bronny James noted, per NBA.com. “I don’t really pay attention to that stuff. There’s a lot of stuff going around that I don’t pay attention to.
“… We don’t really talk about that much, but I think when stuff like that does come up, he just tells me to not worry about it, not even pay attention to it. Just lock in to what you have going on right now, and that’s what’s going to get me better and keep me focused. I think it’s good that he tells me not to pay attention to that stuff.”
