Kobe Bufkin
Getty
Lakers' Kobe Bufkin during a game against the Charlotte Hornets in January 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers are approaching a familiar crossroads with one of the standout performers in their developmental pipeline.
Kobe Bufkin has quietly elevated his stock with the South Bay Lakers in the G League this season, earning a 10-day NBA call-up that began on January 13.
That opportunity has now expired, according to Spotrac’s Keith Smith, leaving both the player and the organization facing an immediate decision on what comes next.
Keith Smith
Kobe Bufkin’s 10 Day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers has expired. The Lakers can sign Bufkin to a second 10 Day deal. To keep Bufkin after a second 10 Day contract, Los Angeles would have to sign him for the remainder of the season.
Lakers Evaluating Kobe Bufkin’s Next Step
Across four NBA appearances, Bufkin averaged 3.0 points and 1.3 rebounds in 11.3 minutes per game, shooting 36.4% from the field and 28.6% from three-point range.
His most notable showing came in a January 17 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, when he logged nine points on 3-of-8 shooting, knocked down a three, and added one rebound, one assist, and two blocks in 22 minutes.
While the box score production was modest, it reflected the reality of limited touches and sporadic minutes alongside established NBA rotation players. Even so, Bufkin flashed defensive engagement and positional versatility when given opportunities.
The Lakers now have several options, though a conversion to a full roster spot appears unlikely.
They can sign Bufkin to a second 10-day contract, which would also be their final chance to do so before needing to commit for the remainder of the season.
Alternatively, the 22-year-old can return to South Bay, where the Lakers still control his player rights. He is also free to sign with another NBA team on a standard, two-way, or 10-day contract, with no obligation to remain tied to Los Angeles beyond the G League.
A second 10-day deal would run right up to the February 5 trade deadline, potentially offering roster flexibility as general manager Rob Pelinka continues to explore upgrades.
Roster Constraints Complicate Long-Term Decision
A two-way contract remains an option, but it would require the Lakers to waive a player, as all three two-way spots are currently occupied by Nick Smith Jr., Drew Timme, and Chris Manon.
Smith Jr. has carved out a consistent bench role, while Timme has recently played his way into the rotation, leaving Manon as the most vulnerable option.
Manon has logged just 14 total NBA minutes this season, the fewest on the roster, despite strong G League production. Notably, Bufkin surpassed that total during his brief 10-day stint alone (45).
At the G League level, Bufkin’s resume is far more impressive. Through 15 games with South Bay this season, he averaged 25.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 51.2% from the field and 39.5% from three on 7.6 attempts per game.
His two-way impact firmly placed him among the league’s most complete guards, drawing the eyes of NBA decision makers.
Selected 15th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Bufkin’s early professional career has been disrupted by injuries and limited opportunity.
This season for South Bay, however, has looked more like a sustained audition, one built on scoring versatility, defensive engagement, and playmaking consistency.
Now back on the open market once again, the pressure shifts to the Lakers. Either they act decisively to secure a player trending towards NBA readiness, or they risk watching another team step in and capitalize on his upward trajectory.