The Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed guard Kobe Bufkin to a two-year contract, which includes a team option for the 2026-27 season, according to ESPN reports from Saturday night. Bufkin, a 22-year-old former first-round draft pick, has been part of the Lakers’ roster this season, appearing in four games as a reserve.
Bufkin’s Performance Overview in NBA and G League
This season with the Lakers, Bufkin has averaged 3.0 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 11.3 minutes per game. However, his standout performances have come in the G League with South Bay, the Lakers’ affiliate team, where Bufkin has delivered an impressive 26.7 points per game across 26 contests. His shooting accuracy stands at 51.3% from the field and 43% from three-point range. Notably, he tallied a career-high 41 points in a recent victory against the Capital City Go-Go.
Throughout his NBA tenure, Bufkin’s averages include 4.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 11.8 minutes across 31 games, during which he played for both the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers.
Bufkin’s Draft History and Recent Team Movements
Kobe Bufkin was selected 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2023 NBA Draft out of Michigan. The Hawks later traded him to the Brooklyn Nets in September 2025 in exchange for cash considerations. Following the trade, the Nets waived him in October 2025. This season, Bufkin also signed short-term 10-day contracts with the Memphis Grizzlies in late November and the Lakers in mid-January prior to this recent deal.
Implications of Bufkin’s Contract for Lakers’ Roster
By securing Kobe Bufkin on a longer-term basis, the Lakers demonstrate confidence in his development potential and value as a scoring guard, especially given his strong performances in the G League. This contract allows the team flexibility with a 2026-27 option while providing Bufkin with stability to further establish himself in the NBA.
