The Los Angeles Lakers have signed promising young guard Kobe Bufkin to a two-year deal with a team option for the 2026-2027 season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Bufkin has been a star for the Los Angeles South Bay G League affiliate, and his play has been good enough to earn the 15th spot on the roster for the team.
He signed a 10-day contract with the Lakers in January, playing four games and averaging 3.0 points and 1.3 rebounds in 11.3 minutes. Before then, he was on the Memphis Grizzlies on a 10-day deal during November.
Now, after playing in the G-League and earning a full-time NBA deal, Bufkin has the ability to build a secure future and potentially crack the Lakers’ rotation, which has opportunities.
With South Bay, he was averaging 24.7 points on 49.6% from the field with 4.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.
Bufkin has been in the NBA for three years since being taken with the No. 15 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He played only two seasons with Atlanta, appearing in 27 games and getting limited playing time.
He was traded for cash considerations in September and was eventually waived by Brooklyn in October.
What has JJ Redick said about Kobe Bufkin?
Redick has praised Bufkin’s defense while playing on South Bay, crediting head coach Zach Guthrie for his development.
“Zach’s really challenged him on that end,” Redick said. “We have the same language, both teams. So he should be familiar with our coverage and everything.
“The G League game is different, so there’s certain things that Zach does that are a little bit different than we do. He’s really challenged him on that end. He’s shown he can be engaged and guard.”
The Lakers have needed consistent guard and wing play, and Bufkin could be an answer at backup point guard, especially since Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic have missed time with injury.
He can lower the workload on the star backcourt, while earning the trust of Redick for the postseason.
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