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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 04: Kobe Bufkin #44 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the preseason match between the Brooklyn Nets and Hapoel Jerusalem B.C. at Barclays Center on October 04, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)
On Thursday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Chicago Bulls.
They most recently beat the Minnesota Timberwolves (also in Los Angeles) by a score of 120-106.
Kobe Bufkin finished the win with two points while shooting 1/2 from the field in two minutes of playing time.
Los Angeles Lakers Assign Bufkin To G League
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 17: Shaedon Sharpe #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers fights for a loose ball against Kobe Bufkin #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Moda Center during the fourth quarter on January 17, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
Before their showdown with the Bulls on Thursday, the Lakers have made a roster move by assigning Bufkin to South Bay (G League).
Bufkin has played well in the G League, averaging 27.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per contest while shooting 52.2% from the field and 43.1% from three-point range in 14 games (13 starts) this season.
ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote (on February 8): “The Los Angeles Lakers are signing guard Kobe Bufkin to a two-year deal, with a team option for the 2026-27 season, sources tell ESPN. Bufkin has starred for L.A.’s South Bay affiliate and now rejoins the Lakers in his third NBA season to fill their 15th roster spot.”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 10: Kobe Bufkin #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers on court against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Bufkin Before Los Angeles
The former Michigan star was the 15th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
He has also had stints with the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets over three seasons.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 04: Kobe Bufkin #44 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the preseason match between the Brooklyn Nets and Hapoel Jerusalem B.C. at Barclays Center on October 04, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)