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3w ago

Lakers Sign G League Scoring Leader Kobe Bufkin to Two-Year NBA Contract

The move signals Los Angeles prioritizing in-house development over the buyout market.

Jan 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bufkin (18) pursues the ball against the Charlotte Hornets in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 01: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers gestures during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Lakers guard Kobe Bufkin drives as Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball defends during the first half on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The Lakers officially filled their 15th roster spot by converting South Bay guard Kobe Bufkin to a standard NBA deal reported as two years.
  • Outlets report conflicting details on the second year being a team or player option, and the team has not disclosed terms.
  • Bufkin earned the promotion after leading the G League in scoring with roughly 27.7 points per game on about 52% shooting and 43% from three, including recent 36-, 41- and 29-point outings.
  • He previously logged brief NBA stints on 10-day contracts with the Lakers in January and the Grizzlies in November, averaging limited minutes across four games for L.A.
  • Coach JJ Redick and team officials framed the decision as rewarding his progress as a shooting wing with improving defense and securing internal depth rather than waiting on buyout candidates.