Kent Bazemore Bio
Kenneth Lamont Bazemore Jr., known professionally as Kent Bazemore, is an American professional basketball player. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 195 pounds, he plays the small forward and shooting guard positions. After going undrafted in 2012, Bazemore built a long NBA career as a reliable wing defender and rotation player.
Born and raised in North Carolina, Bazemore starred at Old Dominion University, where his defensive excellence earned him national recognition. He went on to suit up for eight NBA franchises and several teams in the NBA G League, finishing his career as a respected veteran known for energy, defense, and bench leadership.
Early Life and Background
Kenneth Lamont Bazemore Jr. was born on July 1, 1989, in Kelford, a small town in Bertie County, North Carolina. He grew up in a tight-knit community in the northeastern part of the state, where basketball became a central part of his childhood. From a young age, Bazemore developed a love for the game, channeling his energy into organized play and local competition.
He attended Bertie High School in Windsor, North Carolina, where he quickly emerged as a talented two-way player. His length, anticipation, and instincts on the defensive end stood out to college scouts, and he developed the perimeter skills needed to play at the next level. By the end of his high school career, Bazemore had attracted attention from several mid-major programs on the East Coast.
Path to Professional Basketball
Bazemore committed to Old Dominion University, joining a Monarchs program that competed in the Colonial Athletic Association. He redshirted his first year on campus in 2007–08, using the time to add strength and adjust to the college game. As a freshman in 2008–09, he averaged 4.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game and helped Old Dominion win the 2009 CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament.
By his sophomore season, Bazemore had earned a starting role and become a driving force for a Monarchs team that captured the CAA regular-season and tournament titles. He followed that with a stellar junior year, posting career highs of 12.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game while leading Old Dominion to another tournament crown and a 2011 NCAA tournament appearance. His defense earned him the Lefty Driesell Award as the nation’s top defensive player, and he was named CAA Defensive Player of the Year.
Kent Bazemore Career
Early Career (2012–2014)
After going undrafted in the 2012 NBA draft, Bazemore caught on with the Golden State Warriors following strong summer league performances in Orlando and Las Vegas. He signed with Golden State on July 26, 2012, and spent his rookie year splitting time between the Warriors and their NBA Development League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors. He showed flashes of scoring ability, recording a season-high 14 points against the Chicago Bulls on March 15, 2013.
In 2013, Bazemore returned to summer league action and was named to the Summer League All-Tournament Team as Golden State captured the Las Vegas championship. He continued to bounce between Golden State and Santa Cruz early in the 2013–14 season before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2014. With the Lakers, he tied a career high with 23 points against the New Orleans Pelicans before a torn tendon in his right foot ended his season in April 2014.
Atlanta Hawks Era (2014–2019)
Bazemore signed with the Atlanta Hawks on September 23, 2014, and soon carved out a larger offensive role. He set a then-career high with 25 points against the Washington Wizards on November 7, 2015, and quickly surpassed that mark with 28 points versus the Miami Heat weeks later. His scoring, defense, and energy made him a fan favorite in Atlanta.
On July 7, 2016, the Hawks rewarded Bazemore with a four-year, $70 million contract extension, signaling his emergence as a core piece. He continued to deliver strong performances, including a 29-point outing against the Golden State Warriors in March 2018 and a career-high 32 points against the Dallas Mavericks in October 2018. He tied that career high with 32 points against the Indiana Pacers later that season before exercising his $19.2 million player option for 2019–20.
Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings (2019–2020)
On June 24, 2019, Bazemore was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Evan Turner. He made his Portland debut on October 23, 2019, posting four points and five steals in a loss to the Denver Nuggets. His stay in Portland was brief, as he was dealt to the Sacramento Kings on January 20, 2020, as part of a multi-player trade. He debuted for Sacramento two days later, scoring seven points against the Detroit Pistons.
Return to Golden State (2020–2021)
Bazemore rejoined the Golden State Warriors on a one-year contract in December 2020, returning to the organization that first gave him an NBA opportunity. He contributed as a rotation wing and posted a season-high 26 points, along with eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals, in an overtime win over the Miami Heat on February 17, 2021.
Return to the Lakers (2021–2022)
On August 6, 2021, Bazemore signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for a second stint with the franchise. He provided veteran depth on the wing, scoring a season-high 13 points against the Charlotte Hornets on January 28, 2022. He later signed with the Sacramento Kings in September 2022 but was waived before the regular season began.
Greensboro Swarm and Capital City Go-Go (2024–2025)
Bazemore joined the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League on January 28, 2024, but was waived on November 19 of that year. On March 24, 2025, the Capital City Go-Go announced that they had acquired the veteran wing, bringing him back to the G League and extending his professional career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bazemore built his reputation on the defensive end, using his length, quick hands, and anticipation to disrupt passing lanes and guard multiple positions. On offense, he developed into a capable shooter and slasher who could finish in transition, attack closeouts, and knock down spot-up threes. His energy, communication, and willingness to embrace a complementary role made him a steady locker-room presence wherever he played.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Bazemore’s career are his Lefty Driesell Award in 2011, his four-year, $70 million contract with Atlanta in 2016, and his career-high 32-point performances against Dallas and Indiana. He also played a key behind-the-scenes role in helping Under Armour sign Stephen Curry away from Nike, a relationship that later brought significant apparel funding to Old Dominion’s basketball program. At a December 2016 game against VCU, Old Dominion retired his No. 24 jersey and inducted him into the school’s Ring of Honor.
Kent Bazemore Career Wins
While Bazemore was never the leading scorer on a deep playoff contender, he contributed to winning environments throughout his career. He was part of the 2009 CollegeInsider.com Tournament championship team at Old Dominion, helped the Warriors win the 2013 Las Vegas Summer League title, and played on playoff-bound rosters in Atlanta and Golden State. He consistently produced double-digit scoring nights and delivered defensive stops in key moments.
NCAA and Summer League Highlights
Bazemore’s most meaningful team success came during his time at Old Dominion, where he helped the Monarchs capture multiple CAA championships and reach the 2011 NCAA tournament. He later added a Las Vegas Summer League championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2013, a milestone that helped launch his NBA career.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond championships, Bazemore posted multiple 25-plus point games in the NBA, including signature performances against the Washington Wizards, Miami Heat, and Dallas Mavericks. His consistent two-way production made him a starter for a Hawks team that posted strong regular-season records in the Eastern Conference during the mid-2010s.
Kent Bazemore Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Bazemore’s immediate family is limited. He has spoken about the support he received from his family in Kelford, North Carolina, and he earned two degrees from Old Dominion University in human services and criminal justice, reflecting his interest in serving communities like the one in which he grew up.
Personal Life
Bazemore is a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. While with the Warriors, he became widely known for his enthusiastic celebrations on the bench, a tradition that gained popularity on YouTube and was featured in the NBA 2K14 video game. He married Samantha Serpe in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2017, and the couple later divorced in 2024.
2025 Season Performance
Bazemore’s 2025 campaign centers on his role with the Capital City Go-Go, who acquired him on March 24, 2025. The move gave the veteran wing a platform to mentor younger players while continuing his professional career in the NBA G League.
For the Go-Go, Bazemore is expected to provide defensive versatility, perimeter scoring, and leadership in the locker room. His experience across multiple NBA organizations makes him a stabilizing presence for a developing roster.
Looking ahead, Bazemore’s 2025 season is less about statistics and more about extending a long professional journey while giving back to the game that shaped him. Whether his role evolves into coaching, broadcasting, or further playing opportunities, his impact on the court and in the locker room remains his lasting mark.