Kobe Bufkin
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Lakers' Kobe Bufkin during his 10-day stint in the NBA against his former team, the Atlanta Hawks
Following a brief 10-day stint, the Los Angeles Lakers ultimately opted to send Kobe Bufkin back to the G League rather than extend his stay at the NBA level.
The 22-year-old returned to action on Tuesday night with the South Bay Lakers, marking his first appearance since his short call-up.
In 33 minutes, Bufkin finished with 19 points, three rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in a 121-107 win over the College Park Skyhawks.
He struggled from the field, shooting 4-of-14 overall and 2-of-7 from beyond the arc, but he remained aggressive and efficient at the free-throw line, knocking down all five of his attempts to support his scoring output.
Lakers Guard Returns to Familiar G League Role
Prior to his NBA opportunity, Bufkin had emerged as one of the G League’s most complete guards and was widely viewed as a future NBA role player.
Across 15 games with South Bay this season before his call-up, 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-point range on high volume.
That production did not fully translate during his brief Lakers stint. Over four appearances on his 10-day deal, 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.
The 6-foot-4 guard was typically deployed in short stretches alongside established rotation players who dominate offensive usage.
Within that context, his impact showed up more on the defensive end, where he displayed positional versatility, strong instincts, and a willingness to compete.
His most notable NBA outing came in a January 17 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, when he logged 22 minutes, scored nine points on 3-of-8 shooting, hit a three, and added an assist and two blocks.
It was a glimpse of what he could offer with a longer runway.
Opportunity Remains, But Not Necessarily in Los Angeles
Bufkin’s 10-day contract expired on January 23. Despite the Lakers having the option to sign him to a second 10-day deal that would have carried through the February 5 trade deadline, the team chose not to do so amid a season marked by frequent injuries.
Even so, the stint may have served its purpose. The Lakers were able to take a closer look at a former first-round pick who had largely flown under the radar, though whether they ultimately keep him within the organization remains uncertain.
By returning Bufkin to the G League without signing him to a standard contract, two-way deal, or a second 10-day, Los Angeles has left him free to sign with any NBA team, with no obligation to remain tied to the Lakers beyond South Bay.
Other teams have taken advantage of similar situations in recent weeks. The Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers have all dipped into the G League talent pool to secure contributors on short-term or flexible deals.
In 2024, the Memphis Grizzlies notably poached Scotty Pippen Jr. from South Bay and turned him into a legitimate NBA rotation player.
That risk only increases as the season wears on. Teams drifting out of contention often pivot after the All-Star break, creating a familiar wave of G League call-ups and short-term contracts.
Bufkin’s shooting struggles in his first game back with South Bay are unlikely to raise alarm. More than anything, they reflect the adjustment back to the fast-paced, high-usage environment of the G League.
Even on an off-night, he delivered a well-rounded performance and defensive presence, the kind of profile NBA teams continue to monitor closely.