Rob Pelinka, Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Rob Pelinka, Los Angeles Lakers
Following the February 5 trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers were widely expected to continue reshaping their roster through the buyout market.
Luke Kennard was added at the deadline to address perimeter shooting, and with players such as Lonzo Ball, Haywood Highsmith, and Cam Thomas emerging as buyout candidates, the Lakers appeared well-positioned to make another external addition.
Instead, general manager Rob Pelinka took an unexpected route. He chose to reward internal production, signing G League standout Kobe Bufkin to a two-year NBA contract.
Lakers Reward Internal Development
Bufkin had previously spent time with the Lakers on a 10-day contract from January 13-23.
Once that deal expired, Los Angeles opted not to issue a second 10-day contract and returned him to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
In four appearances during that initial NBA stint, Bufkin averaged 3.0 points and 1.3 rebounds in 11.3 minutes per game.
While he showed defensive upside and positional versatility, his opportunities were limited. The 6-foot-4 guard appeared mostly in short bursts alongside established rotation players, rarely receiving extended run.
At the time, it seemed his stint with the Lakers had come and gone. Instead, it proved to be a stepping stone towards a full NBA contract.
“My name being Kobe is very cool,” the 22-year-old said following the signing, via The Orange County Register. “I’m just excited to get to work, and whatever that comes with.”
“It means a lot. Even dating back to draft night, I had conversations with the Lakers. Ended up going to the Hawks, ultimately, but they’ve always shown interest, always showed love – Rob specifically.”
Bufkin was selected 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2023 NBA Draft. The Lakers also held a first-round pick that year, selecting Jalen Hood-Schifino at No. 17.
It appears Pelinka and the Lakers’ scouting department had Bufkin firmly on their radar, but he came off the board before their selection. His signing now represents a “full-circle” moment, as Bufkin described it himself.
Why The Lakers Chose Continuity Over The Buyout Market
Bufkin had been dominant at the G League level. He averaged a league-best 27.7 points per game while shooting 43.1% from three-point range on 7.8 attempts per game across 14 regular-season contests.
He also developed a growing two-way reputation as one of the most NBA-ready prospects outside the league.
After returning to South Bay following the expiration of his 10-day deal, Bufkin elevated his play even further. Over his final three games, he scored 36, 41, and 29 points.
He connected on 18 three-pointers, handed out 16 assists, and added seven steals during that stretch.
“Kobe has certainly earned a spot in the NBA with the way he’s played this year for us in South Bay,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said on Bufkin’s signing. “There’s also factors of, you know, are we going to be able to keep him in our program? So there’s a lot that went into it. We feel really happy that we got him on a roster spot.”
Redick also expressed skepticism about the buyout market, noting that it “very rarely produces a player that impacts a team’s playoff chances.”
He further alluded to health concerns surrounding several available players. Teams have been reportedly seeking access to Lonzo Ball’s medical information before committing, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Meanwhile, Haywood Highsmith, once considered a dependable 3-and-D option, remains an uncertainty after missing the entire season due to injury.
While G League success does not always translate cleanly to the NBA, Bufkin has reached a stage where he has clearly outgrown that level and earned an extended opportunity.
By prioritizing internal growth over a short-term buyout gamble, the Lakers are betting on a player with legitimate two-way upside and the profile of a future rotation contributor, rather than taking on the unknowns attached to external options.