Lakers sign Kobe Bufkin to 2-year deal, sources say

LOS ANGELES — The Lakers filled out their roster at 15 players on Saturday night, signing South Bay Lakers guard Kobi Bufkin to a two-year deal that includes a team option for the 2026-2027 season, a source familiar with the situation, but unauthorized to speak publicly, confirmed to the Southern California News Group.

ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the news of Bufkin’s signing.

Bufkin, 22, has signed two 10-day contracts so far this season — one with the Memphis Grizzlies in November, and another with the Lakers in January. In four games this season, all with the Lakers, the 6-foot-4 shooting guard has averaged three points per game in 11.3 minutes per game.

The 2023 first round pick from the Atlanta Hawks, the 15th overall selection, played 27 games across the previous two seasons for the franchise he began his career with, averaging five points per game while shooting 48.8% from the field in 11.8 minutes per game. Playing in the NBA G-League for South Bay, the Lakers’ affiliate team that plays in El Segundo, Bufkin has been nothing short of impressive. The wing is averaging 24.7 points per game, while shooting 49.6% from the field and 43.1% from beyond the arc across seven games.

While general manager Rob Pelinka said Saturday evening that the team would navigate its options in filling the 15th roster spot, including the evolving buyout market, for the time being, Bufkin will fill that void on the roster.

Of course, the Lakers could waive one of their fringe bench players, including Dalton Knecht (fully guaranteed through next season), forward/center Maxi Kleber ($11 million salary in 2025-2026) or Bronny James to make room to make room for a free-agent acquisition. Other players on two-way contracts such as Chris Manon, Drew Timme, or Nick Smith Jr,. can only be waived to add a player also on a partially-guaranteed deal.

A move of either stature, however, could cease to happen in the days or weeks ahead.