Lakers Sign Kobe Bufkin to 10-Day Contract

The Los Angeles Lakers signed guard Kobe Bufkin to a 10-day contract on Tuesday, adding depth to their injury-depleted backcourt ahead of a home game against the Atlanta Hawks, his former team.

Bufkin, a 22-year-old former University of Michigan standout, was selected 15th overall by the Hawks in the 2023 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-4 guard appeared in 27 games over his first two NBA seasons with Atlanta, averaging 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 11.9 minutes per game. His time in the league was hampered by injuries, including a fractured left thumb and sprained toe during his rookie year, followed by season-ending shoulder surgery in December 2024.

After Atlanta traded him to the Brooklyn Nets in September 2025, the Nets waived Bufkin before the season began. He briefly joined the Memphis Grizzlies on a 10-day contract in November but did not play in any games. Bufkin then moved to the G League, where his rights were acquired by the Lakers' affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, in exchange for a 2027 first-round draft pick. In 14 games with South Bay this season, including the tip-off tournament, he has averaged 25.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 32.5 minutes per...