Kobe Bufkin
Getty
Kobe Bufkin during his short spell with the Brooklyn Nets in 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers may have uncovered another under-the-radar contributor in the G League, but his continued surge and uncertain contract status suggest his long-term future may not be in Los Angeles.
Kobe Bufkin has raised his stock significantly with the South Bay Lakers this season, establishing himself as one of the G League’s most complete guards and drawing increasing attention from NBA decision makers.
On Tuesday night, the 22-year-old delivered another statement performance, posting 27 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, four steals, and two blocks in a 113-101 win over the Memphis Hustle.
What stood out most was the efficiency. Bufkin reached 27 points on just 11 shot attempts, knocked down two three-pointers, and went a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line, controlling the game without forcing the issue.
After an early professional career disrupted by injuries and limited opportunity, Bufkin has turned this stretch into a sustained showcase of scoring, playmaking, and defensive engagement, consistently impacting games on both ends of the floor.
Lakers G League Standout Keeps Raising His Stock
Bufkin’s performance against Memphis only reinforced a trend that has been building for months.
Through three regular season games, he is averaging a league-best 31.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game, while shooting 56.9% from the field and 41.7% from beyond the arc.
The production is not isolated. Across 12 total appearances this season, Bufkin is averaging 26.1 points, the sixth-highest in the league, along with 4.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and just under one block per game, while maintaining elite efficiency from three-point range.
He closed out 2025 with a 41-point outburst against the Oklahoma City Blue, his second 40-point performance of the season. While the scoring draws headlines, his defensive impact has quietly surged, recording seven blocks over his last three games and consistently generating deflections and stops.
Teams evaluating G League prospects often look beyond raw scoring, prioritizing versatility, defensive effort, and adaptability. Bufkin has checked every box, pairing offensive firepower with consistent hustle and two-way reliability.
Contract Reality Creates Urgency for the Lakers
Drafted 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2023 NBA Draft, Bufkin’s early NBA path stalled due to injuries and inconsistent roles. The G League has given him a clean runway to rebuild confidence and rhythm, and he has taken full advantage of the opportunity.
Crucially, Bufkin remains on a standard G League contract, meaning he is not contractually tied to the Lakers. Any NBA team can sign him outright without compensation, a reality that significantly raises the stakes for Los Angeles.
The Lakers have encountered this scenario before. In 2024, Scotty Pippen Jr. was never secured to a two-way or standard deal, allowing the Memphis Grizzlies to step in and sign a player who quickly became a reliable NBA contributor.
Around the league, front offices are increasingly aggressive in similar situations. Over the weekend, the Houston Rockets signed Tristen Newton to a two-way contract after his breakout run in the G League with the Iowa Wolves, moving quickly before another team could act.
Bufkin has already proven himself in high-visibility settings, including back-to-back 23-point performances at the G League Winter Showcase in December. An event closely monitored by NBA scouts searching for immediate depth.
With 10-day contracts now available outside of hardship exceptions and standard NBA/two-way deals becoming fully guaranteed on January 7, roster movement is expected to accelerate. Bufkin appears positioned to be among the first beneficiaries.
For the Lakers, the window is narrowing. Either they act to secure a player who could be an NBA contributor, or risk watching another team step-in and capitalize on his rise.