The Los Angeles Lakers had a recent call-up with guard Kobe Bufkin, who was signed to a 10-day contract. Bufkin was turning heads with his play in the G League by averaging 24.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 49.6% from the field and 43.1% from 3-point range.
As a former No. 15 pick, the 22-year-old is still looking for an opportunity after struggling to carve out a role with the Atlanta Hawks. Sometimes finding confidence in the G League helps and it appears Bufkin took advantage of that opportunity.
Notably, he was signed to a 10-day contract with the Memphis Grizzlies back on Nov. 26, but he did not see any playing time.
L.A. noticed his production and decided to give him a chance. The former Michigan Wolverine appeared in four games for the Lakers, but it looks like he will not be receiving a second 10-day and will be returning to South Bay:
The South Bay Lakers have re-acquired guard Kobe Bufkin.
In a related moved, the team has waived guard James Reese.
— South Bay Lakers (@SouthBayLakers) January 23, 2026
Reflecting on Bufkin’s short tenure with Los Angeles, he averaged 3.0 points, 1.3 rebounds and 0.5 assists on 36.4% from the field and 28.6% from distance. On Jan. 17 against the Portland Trail Blazers, it was his most significant opportunity by receiving 22 minutes, but he did struggle offensively.
Bufkin put up nine points on 3-for-8 from the field and 1-for-5 from 3-point range. Unfortunately, his South Bay production did not transfer to the Lakers and perhaps that played a factor in Los Angeles not offering another 10-day right now.
Whether general manager Rob Pelinka decides to give Bufkin another shot in the future remains to be seen, but there is a chance for him to sign another 10-day as teams are allowed to sign players to two. Until then, the lefty guard needs to continue dominating in the G League and hopefully, another opportunity presents itself, whether it be with the Lakers or elsewhere.
Kobe Bufkin was acquired by South Bay Lakers earlier in season
For a former first-round pick to fall quickly out of favor with his incumbent team is unfortunate and Kobe Bufkin was a salary dump in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. However, Brooklyn did end up waiving him and it resulted in Bufkin entering the G League player pool.
Dating back to the 2023 Draft, the Lakers did have interest in the young guard, but he was selected ahead of their pick. Seeing now that he was available to bring into their G League system, the South Bay Lakers jumped on the opportunity to acquire Bufkin.
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