The Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed guard Kobe Bufkin to a two-year NBA contract, which includes a team option for the 2026-27 season. The announcement was made by ESPN’s Shams Charania, revealing that the Lakers are filling their final roster spot with the talented 22-year-old former South Bay Lakers standout.
Bufkin has had an impressive season with the Lakers’ G-League affiliate, averaging 26.7 points per game in 26 appearances while shooting 43% from beyond the arc and an overall shooting percentage of 51.3%. His recent performances have been particularly notable; he scored a career-high 41 points in a game against the Capital City Go-Go, where he lit up the court by hitting 30 of those points in the first half, including an astonishing seven consecutive 3-pointers.
This signing adds depth to the Lakers’ backcourt, providing another sharpshooter off the bench for coach JJ Redick. The team had recently bolstered their roster with another sharpshooting guard, Luke Kennard, acquired from a trade with Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick in 2032. Bufkin had previously made appearances in four games for the Lakers this season after joining the team on a 10-day contract, where he averaged 3.0 points over 11.3 minutes.
With Bufkin’s skill set and the support of experienced players like Kennard, the Lakers are poised to enhance their three-point shooting capability as they aim for a successful run in the 2025-26 season.