The Los Angeles Lakers were relatively quiet at the trade deadline this year, but they made their one move count-bringing in sharpshooter Luke Kennard in exchange for Gabe Vincent. The deal adds a much-needed boost to the Lakers’ perimeter game, which has been inconsistent all season. Kennard’s arrival gives them a legitimate threat from beyond the arc, something they’ve sorely lacked, especially in half-court sets where spacing has been an ongoing issue.
But the Lakers weren’t done tweaking the roster.
With one spot left open post-deadline, many expected L.A. to dip into the buyout market, as they’ve done in years past with names like Markieff Morris, Andre Drummond, and Spencer Dinwiddie. This time, though, they’re turning inward.
According to reports, the Lakers are signing guard Kobe Bufkin to a two-year standard NBA contract, which includes a team option for the 2026-27 season. Bufkin has been lighting it up with the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate, and now he’s earned his way back to the big club.
Let’s talk about why this move makes sense.
Bufkin has been flat-out dominant in the G League this season. Through 21 games, he’s averaging 26.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, all while shooting a blistering 51.3% from the field and an eye-popping 43.1% from three. Those are numbers that demand attention, and the Lakers clearly took notice.
He already had a brief stint with the main roster earlier this season on a 10-day contract, though he saw limited floor time. Still, the potential was evident.
Bufkin was a first-round pick for a reason, and with the way he’s been performing in South Bay, it was only a matter of time before someone gave him another shot. The Lakers deciding to be that team-and to do it with a multi-year deal-signals they see something real in his development.
This isn’t just about filling a roster spot. It’s about investing in a young guard who’s shown he can score efficiently and stretch the floor-two things the Lakers could use more of off the bench. If Bufkin continues his upward trajectory, don’t be surprised if that team option for 2026-27 becomes a no-brainer.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are hoping Luke Kennard can make an immediate impact. While he’s long been regarded as one of the league’s most accurate shooters, he’s never been a high-volume guy-averaging just 4.4 three-point attempts per game over his career. That’s something new head coach JJ Redick is looking to change.
“Excited about Luke,” Redick said. “I’ve known him for about 12 years now and I think he’s one of the best shooters in the NBA. I’m gonna highly encourage him to shoot more and not turn down shots.”
That’s not just coach-speak. Redick knows firsthand the value of a willing shooter-he made a career out of being one.
Kennard’s ability to move without the ball and create second actions is something Redick clearly values. He mentioned how Kennard can initiate offense through off-ball movement, keeping defenses honest and helping the Lakers flow into their sets more naturally.
“He’ll be a corner threat and he’ll be an off-ball threat and we’re excited to have him,” Redick added.
The Lakers are betting on chemistry and internal development as much as they are on talent. Kennard gives them instant shooting, and Bufkin brings youth, energy, and upside.
It’s not a splashy deadline, but it’s a calculated one. With the Western Conference still wide open, these moves could quietly pay off down the stretch.
For now, all eyes will be on how quickly Kennard integrates into the offense-and whether Bufkin can carry his G League dominance onto the NBA stage.