Lakers sign Kobe Bufkin to a 10-day short-term contract! Averaging 26.7 points in the G League: 180 Club performance

On January 14th Beijing time, according to reporter Shams, the Lakers have agreed to a 10-day short contract with guard Kobe Bufkin. Bufkin was the 15th pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. He spent his first two professional seasons with the Hawks, was traded to the Nets during the offseason, and was then waived by the Nets before the start of the 2025-26 regular season.

Earlier reports indicated that Bufkin was the Lakers’ top target in the 2023 draft but was intercepted by the Hawks. During his first two NBA seasons with Atlanta, Bufkin struggled with injuries, playing only 27 games. In his rookie year, he missed many games due to a fractured left thumb and a toe sprain; in December 2024, less than two months into his second season, he underwent shoulder surgery, ending his season.

However, this season Bufkin’s health has improved. He has played 14 games for the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ G League affiliate. The 1.93-meter guard posted impressive stats in the G League, averaging 34.5 minutes, 26.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. His shooting splits reached elite levels at 51.9% field goal, 40.9% three-point, and 90.2% free throw percentages, meeting the 180 Club standards. He has recorded standout performances such as 41 points with 9 assists and 42 points with 6 rebounds in single games.

Thanks to his strong G League performances, Bufkin earned a 10-day contract with the Grizzlies in November, but he did not get playing time in any of the 5 games he was on the roster for Memphis.

This 22-year-old guard’s 10-day contract is worth $131,970, which will increase the Lakers’ salary cap by the same amount. Currently, the Lakers have reached the hard salary cap threshold, temporarily preventing them from signing free agents for the rest of the season.

Based on salary cap rules, the Lakers were originally expected to sign a player for the remainder of the season after January 19th within the hard cap limit, but Bufkin’s 10-day deal delays this possibility until January 29th.

According to US media, if the Lakers officially complete Bufkin’s signing today, he will face his former team on his first day with the Lakers — as the Lakers will host the Hawks on Wednesday.