The Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed guard Kobe Bufkin to a 10-day contract, as announced in a team press release. The news comes from a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania, marking a significant move for the team as they look to bolster their roster.
Bufkin, who was the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, started his professional career with the Atlanta Hawks but faced challenges during his two seasons there due to injuries. He played just 27 games for Atlanta, missing a considerable part of his rookie season with a fractured left thumb and a sprained toe. In December 2024, he underwent shoulder surgery, which further hampered his second season.
This season, Bufkin has shown promise while playing for the South Bay Lakers, the Los Angeles G League affiliate, where he has averaged an impressive 26.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. His shooting percentages have also been strong, boasting a line of .519 from the field, .409 from beyond the arc, and an outstanding .902 from the free-throw line over 14 appearances.
In November, he earned a brief opportunity with the Memphis Grizzlies, signing a 10-day contract, although he did not see any playing time during that stint. Now, at just 22 years old, Bufkin is set to capitalize on this new chance with the Lakers. His contract is worth $131,970, and due to the Lakers’ tight salary cap situation, this temporary signing will push back their ability to make further roster moves.
Interestingly, Bufkin’s first game with the Lakers could see him face off against his former team, the Hawks, as Los Angeles is scheduled to host Atlanta on Tuesday night. This adds an exciting narrative to his debut, as he aims to make an impact after a challenging start to his NBA career.