The Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed guard Kobe Bufkin to an NBA contract, locking in a player who’s been one of the most electric performers in the G League this season. While the team hasn’t disclosed the full terms, reports indicate it’s a two-year minimum deal with a team option for the 2026-27 season - a move that rewards Bufkin’s breakout campaign and gives the Lakers some flexibility going forward.
And let’s be clear: Bufkin earned this.
The 22-year-old has been lighting it up with the South Bay Lakers, putting up eye-popping numbers - 26.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game - while shooting a scorching 51.3% from the field and 43.1% from deep across 21 games. That’s not just efficient; that’s elite shot-making at volume, the kind that turns heads in front offices across the league.
Bufkin’s journey here hasn’t been smooth. Drafted 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 2023 out of Michigan, he struggled to find consistent playing time early in his NBA career, appearing in just 27 games over two seasons. After a trade to the Brooklyn Nets this past offseason, he was waived - a tough blow for any young player trying to establish himself in the league.
But instead of fading into the background, Bufkin doubled down. He landed with South Bay and went to work, transforming himself into one of the G League’s most dynamic guards. That grind paid off with a pair of 10-day contracts - first with the Memphis Grizzlies, then with the Lakers - and now, finally, a standard NBA deal.
For the Lakers, this signing checks a lot of boxes. They’ve been actively looking for young, two-way contributors who can space the floor and hold their own defensively - the classic 3-and-D archetype that’s so valuable in today’s NBA.
Bufkin fits that mold. He’s a confident shooter, a capable playmaker, and he’s shown flashes of defensive upside.
At 22, there’s still plenty of room for growth, but the foundation is there.
This also speaks to a broader strategy from general manager Rob Pelinka. The Lakers had one open roster spot heading into the trade deadline and could’ve turned to the buyout market - a common move for playoff contenders looking to add veteran depth.
But instead of chasing a short-term fix, Pelinka chose to reward a young player who’s already in the system, already familiar with the team’s culture, and already proving he belongs. That’s a calculated bet on development and continuity.
Pelinka addressed the team’s overall approach at the deadline, where the only move was a trade that sent Gabe Vincent to Atlanta in exchange for Luke Kennard and a 2023 second-round pick. While that’s not the kind of blockbuster fans might’ve been hoping for, Pelinka emphasized that being aggressive sometimes means knowing when to stand pat.
“I would say we were aggressive,” Pelinka said. “And one form of being aggressive is saying no to moves that come your way that might not be best for the short- and long-term future.”
That’s a telling quote. The Lakers clearly had opportunities to make more noise, but they chose to prioritize fit and flexibility - both now and in the seasons to come.
As for Bufkin, this is his shot. He’ll have the rest of the season to show he can contribute at the NBA level, and if he continues to play with the same confidence and efficiency he’s shown in the G League, the Lakers may have found a real gem. Whether he becomes a rotation piece or something more, Bufkin’s story is already one of perseverance and payoff - and now, he’s got a chance to write the next chapter under the bright lights of L.A.