Lakers Sign 22-Year-Old G-League Standout to Help Luka Doncic

Kobe Bufkin joins the Lakers on a two-year deal with a team option for 2026-27.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 12:55am

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The Los Angeles Lakers have signed 22-year-old guard Kobe Bufkin to a two-year contract, with a team option for the 2026-27 season. Bufkin has been a standout performer for the Lakers' G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, averaging 27.7 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game this season. The Lakers are hoping Bufkin can provide a boost to help Luka Doncic and the team in their quest for Doncic's first NBA title.

Why it matters

The Lakers are looking to build a strong supporting cast around Luka Doncic as he attempts to win his first NBA championship. Bufkin's impressive G-League numbers suggest he could be a valuable addition to the Lakers' roster and provide much-needed depth and scoring punch off the bench.

The details

Bufkin was originally drafted 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2023 NBA Draft. After spending his first two seasons with the Hawks, he joined the Lakers' G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, for the 2025-26 season. Bufkin has struggled to find his footing in the NBA so far, averaging just 4.7 points per game on 37.3% shooting. However, his stellar play in the G-League has earned him a chance to contribute at the NBA level with the Lakers.

  • Bufkin was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2023 NBA Draft.
  • Bufkin spent his first two NBA seasons with the Hawks.
  • Bufkin joined the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers' G-League affiliate, for the 2025-26 season.
  • The Lakers signed Bufkin to a two-year contract with a team option for 2026-27 on February 8, 2026.

The players

Kobe Bufkin

A 22-year-old guard who was drafted 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 2023 and has spent the last two seasons playing for the Lakers' G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.

Luka Doncic

The superstar forward for the Los Angeles Lakers who is seeking his first NBA championship.

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What they’re saying

“The Los Angeles Lakers are signing guard Kobe Bufkin to a two-year deal, with a team option for the 2026-27 season. 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.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider

What’s next

The Lakers will look to integrate Bufkin into their rotation and see if he can provide a spark off the bench to help Luka Doncic and the team in their quest for an NBA title.

The takeaway

The Lakers are making a calculated gamble by signing the 22-year-old Bufkin, who has shown promise in the G-League but has yet to translate that success to the NBA level. If Bufkin can find his footing and provide quality minutes off the bench, he could be a valuable addition to help Luka Doncic and the Lakers win their first championship together.