Los Angeles Lakers have added former No. 15 pick Kobe Bufkin on a 10‑day contract, rewarding his breakout G‑League season with the South Bay Lakers. The deal gives the 23‑year‑old guard a chance to translate his 24.7‑point average into NBA minutes as the team seeks extra backcourt depth for a playoff push.
Background: From First‑Round Hopeful to G‑League Star
Kobe Bufkin entered the NBA as the Atlanta Hawks’ first‑round selection in 2023, praised for his 6‑foot‑4 frame, smooth mid‑range game, and defensive versatility. Limited opportunities behind a crowded backcourt and coaching changes left him on the periphery, resulting in just 27 regular‑season games over his first two years.
Dominant G‑League Performance
After being moved to the South Bay Lakers in November 2025, Bufkin became the team’s primary scoring option. In 28 games he averages 24.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 45.3% from the field and 37.8% from three‑point range. A buzzer‑beater on Jan. 3, 2026 secured a 112‑110 win over the Memphis Hustle, highlighting his clutch potential.
Why the Lakers Signed Him Now
Los Angeles entered the 2025‑26 season with a thinned guard rotation due to injuries to Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell. Adding Bufkin on a short‑term deal provides a low‑risk option to bolster secondary ball‑handling, perimeter shooting, and defensive intensity as the Lakers chase a Western Conference playoff spot.
Implications for Bufkin and the Lakers
For Bufkin, the contract offers a second chance to prove that his top‑15 draft status was warranted and could lead to a roster spot or a multi‑year deal. For the Lakers, his scoring ability and ability to run the transition game could relieve pressure on the starter rotation and inject fresh energy into practice sessions.
What to Expect During the 10‑Day Contract
The Lakers are likely to use garbage‑time minutes in games against lower‑seeded opponents or during back‑to‑back road trips. Scouts will focus on Bufkin’s defensive footwork against elite wings, his decision‑making in pick‑and‑roll situations, and his shooting rhythm from beyond the arc under NBA‑level coverage. Maintaining a three‑point percentage near his G‑League rate would position him as a viable bench specialist.
Potential Future Impact
If Bufkin impresses, he could follow the path of past short‑term signees who earned longer contracts, adding depth that allows star players like LeBron James to manage minutes more efficiently. His success would also underscore the growing importance of the G‑League as a development pipeline for former lottery picks seeking to revitalize their NBA careers.
Bottom Line
The Lakers’ decision to bring Kobe Bufkin aboard on a 10‑day contract reflects an urgent need for guard depth and rewards his resurgence after a rocky start. While the window is brief, a strong audition could secure him a permanent roster spot and give Los Angeles a versatile scoring guard as they push for a deep postseason run.