The Lakers made a quiet but potentially telling move early Sunday, signing 6-foot-4 guard Kobe Bufkin from their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. While it might’ve flown under the radar for many, this signing could have ripple effects that reach all the way to one of the most talked-about names on the roster: Bronny James.
Bufkin’s deal is a two-year contract with a team option, giving the Lakers flexibility while also signaling they’re willing to give the young guard a real shot to prove himself. Bufkin’s been turning heads in the G-League with his energy, defensive intensity, and ability to create off the dribble. Now, he’s got a chance to bring that spark to the big stage.
But what does this mean for Bronny?
The former USC guard came into the league with plenty of attention - not just because of his famous last name, but also because of the historic moment he shared with his father, LeBron James, when the two suited up together on opening night. It was a milestone for the league, the kind of story that transcends box scores.
But basketball is a results-driven business, and Bronny’s rookie season hasn’t exactly made a strong case for long-term investment. Through 54 games, he’s averaging 2.1 points and 0.9 assists per game, shooting 34.5% from the field and 32.1% from beyond the arc. Those numbers, while not uncommon for a late second-round pick, don’t jump off the page - especially for a team with championship aspirations.
The Lakers have shown this season that they’re not afraid to bring in outside talent and play them over Bronny. In fact, they’ve done it more than once. That’s not necessarily an indictment of Bronny’s potential, but it is a clear indication of where he stands in the rotation right now.
Bufkin’s arrival doesn’t directly push Bronny out the door - he still has time to develop and make his case - but it does add another layer of competition in an already crowded backcourt. And with the Lakers in win-now mode, patience can be a luxury they’re not always willing to afford.
If the team decides to move on from Bronny this offseason, it wouldn’t be a shock. Two underwhelming seasons to start a career - especially on a team with limited developmental minutes to offer - is a tough hill to climb. The NBA is full of talented guards, and the Lakers are clearly still searching for backcourt contributors who can make an impact right now.
For Bronny, the message is clear: the window to prove himself is still open, but it’s getting narrower. If he wants to stick in Los Angeles - or anywhere else in the league - he’ll need to show more consistency as a playmaker and shooter. The opportunity is there, but so is the urgency.