Quick Read
- Kobe Bufkin signed a two-year standard contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
- The deal includes a team option for the 2026-27 NBA season.
- Bufkin, a former 2023 No. 15 draft pick, was previously with the South Bay Lakers.
- He averaged 24.7 points in 26 G-League games and recently scored a career-high 41 points.
- This signing fills the Lakers’ final roster spot.
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – The Los Angeles Lakers have signed promising guard Kobe Bufkin to a two-year standard NBA contract, solidifying his place on the team after a standout tenure in the G-League. The agreement, which includes a team option for the 2026-27 season, reportedly fills the Lakers’ final roster spot and comes on the heels of Bufkin’s impressive scoring outbursts for the South Bay Lakers, according to reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Bufkin, a 22-year-old Michigan native, has captivated observers with his offensive prowess, particularly his sharpshooting from beyond the arc. His consistent high-level play for the Lakers’ G-League affiliate has positioned him as a valuable asset for head coach JJ Redick’s roster, offering an additional three-point threat off the bench.
Kobe Bufkin’s Journey to the Lakers
Kobe Bufkin’s path to a standard NBA contract with the Lakers has been a journey through multiple teams since being drafted. Originally selected as the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks, the 6-foot-4 guard appeared in only 27 games across his first two seasons with the team. Following his stint with the Hawks, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets for cash considerations in September 2025, only to be waived by Brooklyn the following month.
His career then saw him sign a 10-day contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in November 2025 before joining the Lakers organization. Bufkin first appeared for the Lakers themselves this season after signing a 10-day contract with the team on January 13, 2026. During those four games, he averaged 3.0 points in 11.3 minutes on the court. His return to the Lakers signifies a new chapter, leveraging his recent G-League success into a more permanent role.
G-League Performance and Impact
Bufkin’s signing is a direct result of his exceptional performance with the South Bay Lakers. In 26 games for the G-League squad, he averaged 24.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. His shooting efficiency was particularly notable, hitting 49.6% overall from the field and an impressive 43.1% from three-point range, according to ESPN.
A recent highlight of his G-League dominance occurred on Wednesday when Bufkin posted a career-high 41 points in South Bay’s victory over Capital City Go-Go. In that game, he exploded for 30 points in the first half, starting a remarkable seven-for-seven from three-point territory. This followed another strong performance in the previous game where he began six-for-six from deep, underscoring his capability as a potent perimeter shooter.
Lakers Roster Dynamics with Bufkin
With Kobe Bufkin now on a standard contract, the Lakers have completed their roster adjustments, which also included the recent acquisition of sharpshooting guard Luke Kennard. The Kennard trade, which sent Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick to another team, signaled the Lakers’ intent to bolster their long-range shooting capabilities. Bufkin’s addition further supports this strategy, providing Coach Redick with another dynamic scoring option who can stretch the floor.
His ability to perform under pressure, as demonstrated by his G-League heroics, suggests he could offer valuable minutes off the bench in critical situations. The Lakers are looking to leverage his scoring punch and three-point accuracy as they navigate the remainder of the NBA season.
The decision to promote Kobe Bufkin from the G-League reflects a strategic pivot by the Lakers to integrate high-performing developmental talent directly into their main roster, signaling a pragmatic approach to immediate roster needs and future potential.