Lakers Sign Shooting Guard Kobe Bufkin to New Contract

Bufkin has been impressive in the G League, averaging 27.7 points per game for the South Bay Lakers.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Los Angeles Lakers have signed shooting guard Kobe Bufkin to a new contract, the team announced on Sunday. Bufkin has spent most of the season in the NBA G League, where he has been averaging 27.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks per game for the South Bay Lakers. The former Michigan Wolverines star was selected 15th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets and then signing 10-day contracts with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Lakers.

Why it matters

The Lakers are in the midst of a winning streak and currently sit fifth in the Western Conference. Adding Bufkin, who has shown his scoring ability in the G League, could provide a much-needed boost to the Lakers' roster as they look to continue their push towards the playoffs.

The details

Bufkin has made four appearances for the Lakers this season, averaging 3.0 points and 1.3 rebounds in 11.3 minutes per contest. His new contract with the Lakers is reportedly worth $844,600, making him the 15th and final player on the roster. This move puts the Lakers $632,600 below the first apron.

  • The Lakers announced Bufkin's signing on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • Bufkin has spent most of the 2026 NBA season playing for the South Bay Lakers in the G League.

The players

Kobe Bufkin

A shooting guard who was selected 15th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He has spent most of this season playing in the G League for the South Bay Lakers, where he has been averaging 27.7 points per game.

LeBron James

The star player for the Los Angeles Lakers, who led the team with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in their recent win over the Golden State Warriors.

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What’s next

The Lakers return to action on Monday against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. This will be the front end of a home back-to-back set for L.A. They host Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.

The takeaway

The Lakers' signing of Kobe Bufkin demonstrates their commitment to improving their roster and adding scoring punch as they look to solidify their position in the Western Conference playoff race. Bufkin's impressive G League performance suggests he could provide a valuable contribution to the Lakers' lineup.