February 8: Bufkin has officially re-signed with the Lakers, the team confirmed today (Twitter link via Brad Turner of The Los Angeles Times).
February 7: Free agent guard Kobe Bufkin will sign a two-year contract with the Lakers, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link). The deal includes a team option for next seas0n.
Bufkin, 22, has been a standout with the organization’s G League affiliate in South Bay and spent time with the Lakers on a 10-day contract in January. He appeared in four games during that stint, averaging 3.0 PPG in 11 minutes per night.
He also signed a 10-day hardship contract with Memphis in late November, but didn’t see any game action.
Bufkin was selected by Atlanta with the 15th pick in the 2023 draft, but only appeared in 27 games over two years before being traded to Brooklyn in September. The Nets waived him before the start of the season, and he headed to the G League, where he’s averaging 27.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 14 regular season games.
Bufkin will be the Lakers’ 15th standard contract once his signing is official. That means they would have to waive a player and eat some guaranteed money if they want to add anyone in the buyout market, notes Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints (Twitter link).
Harden -14
Mitchell +12
Obvious who will do the heavy lifting on this Cavs team. James is along for the ride to the East 2nd round 😭
Waive LeSon, aka “He has a good soul”… oh wait, you gave him a 4 year guaranteed deal.
What numbers Bronny got in the G League.
Bufkin was cruelled by injuries early and it stunted his growth.
Way young and talented. Just needs health and court time.
Don’t hate it. A lot of potential and a decent depth piece. Pretty young as well, so plenty of room to grow