The Los Angeles Lakers announced they have signed guard Kobe Bufkin to a 10-day contract, beginning on Tuesday.
The Lakers’ roster is sorely in need of a boost as the team has been struggling over the past month due both to injuries and poor play overall. In particular, the perimeter needs some help in the wake of Austin Reaves’ injury, and the team just not getting enough from the other guards on the roster.
Bufkin is someone who has been shining in the Lakers’ G League affiliate after the organization added the former first-round pick of the Atlanta Hawks in 2023. And with his stellar play, the Lakers have decided to sign him to a 10-day contract.
Bufkin didn’t get much of a chance to showcase what he is capable of in two seasons in Atlanta, appearing in just 27 games and averaging just five points in 12 minutes per night. However, he has been a star for the South Bay Lakers so far this year.
In seven games during the G League Tip-Off Classic, Bufkin averaged 24.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists while knocking down 43.1% from 3-point range. Those numbers have only gotten better in the G League regular season as he is averaging 28.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.6 steals while shooting 54% from the field and 39% from deep.
This is a great opportunity for a young player in Bufkin as he is still just 22 years and has shown a lot of potential. The Lakers’ 3-point shooting has been an issue all season long and Bufkin is a player who can help in that regard as well as another player who can create his own shot and facilitate for others. If he can also provide a boost defensively, he could potentially stick around long term.
It’s also a low-risk move for the Lakers who can get an even more up close look at what Bufkin can potentially provide for this team on the big stage. And coincidentally, should Bufkin suit up on Tuesday, his first game will be against the team that drafted him in the Hawks.
The Lakers are up against the first apron of the salary cap, which is why it’s only a 10-day deal for Bufkin. L.A. is roughly $1.1 million below the first apron hard cap, and Bufkin’s 10-day deal will take up around $100,000 of that.
If he impresses though, they will eventually be able to sign him for the rest of the year.
Bufkin will wear No. 18 for the Lakers.
JJ Redick says poor 3-point shooting has been theme for Lakers
There are many different areas Kobe Bufkin can potentially help the Lakers with and perhaps the biggest is outside shooting. And head coach JJ Redick made note that the Lakers’ shooting struggles has become a theme for this team this season.
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