The Lakers sign guard Kobe Bufkin to a two-year deal with a team option for 2026-27.

The Los Angeles Lakers are signing guard Kobe Bufkin to a two-year contract with a team option for the 2026-27 season, according to ESPN. Bufkin, 22, a former first-round pick selected 15th overall by Atlanta in 2023, has played four games this season for the Lakers, averaging 3.0 points and 1.3 rebounds in 11.3 minutes. He has been a standout performer with South Bay, the Lakers’ G League affiliate, averaging 26.7 points per game on 51.3% shooting from the field and 43% from three-point range. Bufkin was traded to Brooklyn in September 2025 for cash and waived in October, then signed 10-day contracts with Memphis and the Lakers earlier this season. Over his NBA career, he has played in 31 games across two teams, averaging 4.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 11.8 minutes, all off the bench.