Rob Pelinka, Los Angeles Lakers
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Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka looks on before a game against the Chicago Bulls.
The Los Angeles Lakers approached the trade deadline with caution, prioritizing long-term salary cap flexibility over short-term splash moves.
Their lone addition was Luke Kennard, a modest but sensible move designed to improve perimeter shooting.
Still, one roster spot remained open, and general manager Rob Pelinka was widely expected to explore the buyout market, where several notable names quickly emerged, including Lonzo Ball, Cam Thomas, and Haywood Highsmith.
Instead, Pelinka pivoted internally, signing G League standout Kobe Bufkin to a two-year NBA contract, a move that caught many by surprise.
Now, with another high-profile name suddenly available, some are questioning whether Los Angeles moved too quickly.
Lakers May Have Missed Opportunity With Jeremy Sochan
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the San Antonio Spurs and Jeremy Sochan had agreed to a contract release.
The fourth-year forward now enters free agency, with Charania noting that “Sochan is expected to decide among multiple interested teams.”
NBA insider Marc Stein had previously reported that the Spurs granted Sochan’s representatives permission to explore trade options ahead of the deadline. When no deal materialized, the sides ultimately agreed to part ways.
Despite falling out of the Spurs’ rotation this season, Sochan’s defensive versatility remains appealing.
At 22, he can guard multiple positions across the wing and frontcourt, a skill set that would hold value for a Lakers team currently ranked 23rd in defensive rating at 116.8.
Lake Show Life’s Jordanna Clark believes the Lakers acted prematurely in filling their final roster spot.
“A couple of days after the Los Angeles Lakers filled their final open roster spot by signing Kobe Bufkin to a two-year contract with a team option for next season, the Spurs waived Jeremy Sochan,” Clark wrote. “His defensive versatility is where he stands out, and that would’ve alone made him a good candidate for LA’s final roster spot.”
“If LA had waited just a little longer, it would’ve had a shot at signing a more proven NBA player, one who could’ve been part of the future. The Lakers will now sit back and watch teams like the Suns and Knicks go after Sochan.”
Buyout Market Debate Continues
Head coach JJ Redick has openly questioned the value of the buyout market, noting that it “very rarely produces a player that impacts a team’s playoff chances.”
He also referenced health concerns surrounding several available players, particularly injury-prone options like Lonzo Ball and Haywood Highsmith.
Still, this year’s buyout class has carried more intrigue than usual.
Cam Thomas, just 24, is one season removed from averaging 24 points per game and has already impressed since joining the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring 34 points in 25 minutes during Wednesday’s win over the Orlando Magic.
Sochan’s youth and defensive upside also stands out. For teams seeking depth and flexibility ahead of a late-season push, he represents a low-risk option with long-term upside.
Across 212 career games, Sochan has averaged 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, along with just under a steal per contest while shooting 46.8% from the field and 28.7% from three-point range.
While his shooting remains a question mark, his defensive versatility could complement a Lakers core already led offensively by Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves.
Why Lakers Chose Kobe Bufkin Instead
This season Bufkin has developed a growing two-way reputation as one of the most NBA-ready prospects outside the league.
The former first-round pick averaged 26.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals through 21 games for the South Bay Lakers, shooting 51.5% from the field and 43.1% from three-point range.
He recently revealed that the Lakers’ interest in him dates back to the 2023 NBA Draft, where he was selected 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks, two spots before Los Angeles selected Jalen Hood-Schifino.
Bufkin had previously signed a 10-day contract between January 13-23. After it expired, the Lakers opted not to issue a second 10-day deal and returned him to South Bay.
That decision briefly exposed risk. Because Bufkin was on a standard G League contract, he remained eligible to sign with any NBA team.
The Lakers likely acted to prevent a repeat of 2024, when the Memphis Grizzlies signed an unsecured Scotty Pippen Jr. during his stint in Los Angeles.
Alternative routes were available, including a second 10-day contract or a two-way deal, which would have preserved the 15th roster spot. Instead, Los Angeles committed early.
Now, as Sochan hits the open market, the Lakers may find themselves watching from the sidelines while others capitalize on the opportunity.