Lakers sign Kobe Bufkin to two-year deal

Saturday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Los Angeles signed Kobe Bufkin to a two-year contract featuring a second-year team option. Bufkin previously had a 10-day stint, playing rotation minutes twice. His best performance came against Portland, scoring nine points in 22 minutes, though he went scoreless against Charlotte earlier. However, Bufkin has dominated the G League recently. He posted 36, 41, and 29 points in his last three games, hitting 18 of 31 three-pointers. In 21 games with South Bay, he averages 26.7 points on 51.3% shooting.

Adding Bufkin and Luke Kennard addresses the Lakers' shooting struggles. At 22, Bufkin offers upside, while the team option maintains summer flexibility. This signing officially removes the Lakers from the buyout market, as they chose to retain their internal prospect rather than pursue veterans like Cam Thomas or Haywood Highsmith.