JJ Redick
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Lakers head coach JJ Redick during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in December 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers have taken a low-risk look at their backcourt depth by signing Kobe Bufkin to a 10-day contract, and head coach JJ Redick has already made it clear what the team is hoping to learn during the brief stint.
Bufkin, a former first-round pick, arrives after an extended run with the South Bay Lakers, where he has been one of the G League’s most productive guards this season.
His call-up comes as Los Angeles continues to evaluate internal options while navigating roster and salary constraints, using the 10-day window as an opportunity to gather information rather than make a commitment.
Lakers Focus on Evaluation Over Immediate Role
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, Redick stressed that Bufkin’s arrival doesn’t come with immediate expectations for playing time.
“He’s day one with us, so I don’t know about tonight,” Redick said. “Certainly, during the stretch he’ll have opportunities, during his 10-day.”
Those opportunities came sooner than expected. With the Lakers cruising to a 141-116 blowout win over Atlanta, Bufkin made a brief cameo in the closing minutes.
He wasted little time making an impression, confidently knocking down a three-pointer and finishing with three points, one rebound, and one assist in the final 3:45.
That moment was a small snapshot of what Bufkin has been doing consistently in the G League. Across 14 games in the Tip-Off Tournament and regular season, he’s averaging 26.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, along with 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
His efficiency has been just as eye-catching, shooting 51.9% from the field, 40.9% from three on nearly eight attempts per game, and 90.2% from the free-throw line.
He currently leads the G League in regular-season scoring at 28.7 points per game.
While the scoring numbers jump off the page, his defensive impact has quietly ramped up as well, with 11 steals and 12 blocks over his last six games.
Defense Could Define Bufkin’s Path Forward
Redick pointed to defense as a major area of emphasis during Bufkin’s time in South Bay, crediting head coach Zach Guthrie for challenging him on that end of the floor.
“Zach’s really challenged him on that end,” Redick said. “We have the same language, both teams. So he should be familiar with our coverages and everything.”
“The G League game is different, so there’s certain things that Zach does that are a little bit different than we do. He’s really challenged him on that end. He’s shown he can be engaged and guard.”
That buy-in could be critical if Bufkin hopes to extend his stay. With Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves often carrying the offensive load, the Lakers are prioritizing perimeter defenders who can stay locked in, execute within the system, and contribute without needing the ball.
Bufkin appears aware of that reality. Rather than focusing solely on scoring or highlights, he has already framed his development around impact, particularly on the defensive end.
“I’m still a young guy, I got to make an impact somehow, got to stand out somehow, and that’s one of the ways,” Bufkin said earlier this season, via ClutchPoints. “Everybody knows that if you’re young, you got to stand out in that category. That’s just something I try to do every time I step on the court.”
That mindset aligns with how NBA opportunities are often earned. While G League scoring can open doors, it’s defense, effort, and adaptability that tend to keep them open.
Bufkin will be eased into the environment, given chances when they arise, and evaluated on how well his G League success translates to NBA demands.
If he can defend, stay engaged, and handle situational minutes, he could earn a second 10-day contract and potentially put himself in the conversation for a two-way deal or a longer-term roster spot.