Lakers unearthed Darius Bazley reality Thunder never could

2025 NBA Summer League - Los Angeles Lakers v New Orleans Pelicans | Ethan Miller/GettyImagesBack in the 2019 NBA Draft, the OKC Thunder opted to take a swing on the upside of prep-to-pro prospect Darius Bazley with the 23 overall selection.

Throughout his tenure with the organization, he certainly showed flashes of potential as a rotation player in the association. His length proved to be a problem for opposing players when on the defensive end, while his athleticism made him a fun fastbreak option as a streaker and lob threat.

Unfortunately, said potential was never able to be displayed on a consistent enough basis, and, as a result, midway through the 2022-23 campaign, the Thunder traded…