The Los Angeles Lakers are actively searching for answers in the backcourt. With Gabe Vincent sidelined by an ankle injury and set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, the Lakers need short and long-term answers to the second unit's questions.
Bronny James has the potential to become Vincent's long-term replacement, but his competition just became stiffer than expected with the arrival of Kobe Bufkin.
James has played at least 18 minutes in four of the Lakers' past seven games. With Vincent out, he's received opportunities to showcase what he can provide on both ends of the floor. Los Angeles hasn't yet committed to him as the answer to their questions, however, and a recent trade appears to have proven how thorough their search remains.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the South Bay Lakers have acquired Bufkin in a trade that makes him yet another option for JJ Redick's rotation.
The South Bay Lakers plan to acquire former Atlanta Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin, sources told ESPN. Bufkin was the No. 15 pick in the 2023 draft out of the University of Michigan. Bufkin was traded from ATL to BKN and entered the G League pool after being waived last month.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 13, 2025
Bufkin has already become something of a journeyman, but his talent has never been a question. He was the No. 15 overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft and is coming off of a summer that seemed to put him back in the conversation for consistent minutes in the Association.
Some have questioned if the former Michigan Wolverines standout has a strong enough jump shot to excel in the NBA, but there are an abundance of reasons for intrigue.
Kobe Bufkin has the potential to become Lakers' ideal backup guard
Bufkin measured at 6'4.25" without shoes at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine, which gives him ideal size for either guard position. He also has a wingspan that measured just south of 6'8", thus implying there's the potential for quality defense if he can add muscle to his frame.
That alone could give him an edge over the 6'2" James, although the incumbent has the advantage of already playing with energy and strength on defense.
What could give Bufkin the advantage, however, is that he has a dynamic skill set on offense. He's shot poorly through two NBA seasons, but he averaged 14.0 points and 1.3 three-point field goals made per game on .482/.355/.849 shooting during his final collegiate season in 2022-23.
Bufkin also showed out at Summer League earlier this year, showcasing his athleticism, scoring proficiency, and playmaking while averaging 19.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
Bufkin is by no means a lock to thrive in Los Angeles, but Nick Smith Jr. has received significant playing time with a similar skill set. In multiple instances, Smith has even played more minutes than James up to this point.
For a Lakers second unit that desperately needs offense from the guard positions, that could give Bufkin a chance to develop in the G League and become a factor in Redick's rotation.
If Bufkin can improve his efficiency as a three-point shooter, the Lakers will have an early reason to give him minutes. If he can excel as both a scorer and playmaker, then the competition between Bufkin, James, Smith, and Vincent could become legitimate long-term.
It's far too soon to assume that Bufkin will make his mark on the Lakers, but the door is open for he and James to engage in a significant short-term and long-term battle for minutes.