Rob Pelinka
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Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka in April 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers have reached a decision on the immediate future of one of the more intriguing performers in their development pipeline.
Kobe Bufkin, who had been building momentum in the G League over the first half of the season, earned a 10-day NBA call-up that began on January 13.
That opportunity officially expired on January 23, placing both the player and the organization at a crossroads. For now, the Lakers have chosen a familiar and cautious path.
Lakers Send Bufkin Back to South Bay After 10-Day Stint
On Friday, the South Bay Lakers announced that Bufkin had been re-acquired and would return to the G League, signaling that Los Angeles has opted not to extend his stay at the NBA level, at least for the moment.
South Bay Lakers
The South Bay Lakers have re-acquired guard Kobe Bufkin.
In a related moved, the team has waived guard James Reese.
Across four appearances during his 10-day stint, 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.
The production was modest, but context matters.
Bufkin was rarely given extended runs, often deployed in short bursts alongside established rotation players. Within those constraints, he flashed defensive versatility and positional flexibility, traits that have defined much of his professional profile to date.
His most notable outing came in a January 17 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he logged 22 minutes and finished with nine points on 3-of-8 shooting, knocked down a three, and added an assist and two blocks.
It was a glimpse of the two-way impact he’s shown consistently in the G League.
Through 15 G League games with South Bay this season, Bufkin has 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 high volume.
At that level, he has looked every bit like one of the league’s most complete guards and a future NBA role player.
A Decision Deferred, Not Final
Once Bufkin’s 10-day deal expired, the Lakers had several options, many of which technically remain available.
A conversion to a standard NBA roster spot was always unlikely. A second 10-day contract remains possible, though it would be the final one permitted before requiring a rest-of-season commitment.
A two-way deal also remains on the table, but only if Los Angeles waives 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 reliable bench role, while Timme has recently worked his way into the rotation. That leaves Manon as the most vulnerable option, despite his own strong G League production, having logged just 14 total NBA minutes all season.
Instead, the Lakers have opted for the least committal route by sending Bufkin back to South Bay, where they still control his G League rights.
Crucially, that control only extends so far.
Lakers’ Window to Secure Bufkin Is Narrowing
Bufkin is now free to sign with any NBA team on a standard, two-way, or 10-day contract, with no obligation to remain tied to Los Angeles beyond the G League.
Earlier this month, the Houston Rockets capitalised on a similar situation, signing G League scoring leader Tristen Newton to a two-way deal after he remained on a standard contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves’ affiliate, the Iowa Wolves.
In 2024, the Memphis Grizzlies notably jumped in to sign Scotty Pippen Jr. from South Bay, turning an unsecured G League standout into a legitimate NBA contributor.
That threat only grows as the season progresses, with struggling teams often shifting focus after the All-Star break, triggering a wave of call-ups and short-term deals.
For the Lakers, the window to act is narrowing. By sending Bufkin back to South Bay, they’ve bought time, but not security. Whether that patience proves wise or costly may depend on how quickly another team decides to move.