The Los Angeles Lakers have made a strategic move to enhance their roster by signing guard Kobe Bufkin to a two-year standard NBA contract, which includes a team option for the 2026-27 season. This decision comes after the Lakers made a single trade at the deadline, swapping Gabe Vincent for sharpshooter Luke Kennard, aiming to bolster their three-point shooting capabilities.
Bufkin has demonstrated exceptional performance with the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ G League affiliate, where he averaged an impressive 26.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, shooting 51.3% from the field and 43.1% from beyond the arc in 21 games. His strong play earned him a previous call-up to the main roster on a 10-day contract earlier this season, although he saw limited action during that time. Now, with his ongoing success in the G League, he returns to the Lakers, filling their 15th roster spot.
The Lakers head coach, JJ Redick, also expressed excitement over Kennard, emphasizing his potential as a crucial shooting asset. While Kennard is recognized for his shooting skills, averaging only 4.4 attempts from beyond the arc per game, Redick plans to encourage him to increase his shooting volume. Redick highlighted Kennard’s ability to move off the ball, create plays, and initiate the offense, indicating that Kennard will play a significant role as both a corner and off-ball shooter, thereby generating additional offensive opportunities for the team.
This focused approach could prove beneficial for the Lakers as they deepen their roster and strive for success in the ongoing season, particularly with the infusion of talent from both the signing of Bufkin and the strategic utilization of Kennard. The organization remains hopeful that these moves will contribute positively to their playoff aspirations.