The Los Angeles Lakers signed Kobe Bufkin to a two-year contract to fill their 15th roster spot, which takes the franchise out of the running for the top names on the buyout market. The 6’4 guard has been lighting up the G League for South Bay and appeared in four games with the Lakers in January after signing a ten-day contract. This move is the latest in a string of mistakes by Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office.
They traded Gabe Vincent to get Luke Kennard before the deadline. Kennard’s floor spacing made an instant impact, and the Lakers are without a true backup point guard. Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Marcus Smart have been handling the playmaking duties with Luka Doncic out. LA isn’t comfortable playing Bronny James, which leaves Nick Smith Jr., who’s on a two-way contract, as the only other option.
Bufkin seemingly fills a need, but Pelinka fell into the same old trap. He chased an offense-first player who played well in a small sample. The Lakers failed to look at the bigger picture and did nothing to address their defensive concerns. Their problems aren’t going away because Pelinka doesn’t do things to fix them. Bufkin will barely play, and the biggest hole in the Lakers' roster still exists.
Lakers use final roster spot to sign Kobe Bufkin
Los Angeles could have targeted a 3-and-D wing like Haywood Highsmith or snapped up a high-IQ veteran to help the 22nd-ranked defense in the NBA. The Lakers are improving slightly in defensive rating, but they still struggle to guard at the point of attack and protect the rim. LA can’t be that bad on defense, or it will be another early playoff exit.
Bufkin was the 15th overall pick by the Hawks in 2023. He managed to play just 27 games over two seasons before Atlanta traded him to Brooklyn in September. The Nets waived him, which opened the door for Bufkin to come to LA.
In 31 NBA games, he averages 4.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 11.8 minutes per game. Bufkin has never shot over 38.3 percent from the field and is a career 22.7 percent 3-point shooter. He is lighting it up for South Bay, but G League numbers rarely predict NBA success.
The Lakers bypassed more established options to sign Kobe Bufkin. His two-year contract features a team option, so this is a low-risk move for LA. If things aren’t working out with the 22-year-old, the Lakers can quickly cut bait. It seems foolish to think Bufkin will suddenly be an NBA difference-maker. The Lakers need a boost before the playoffs, and this move isn’t it.
Los Angeles Lakers fans know Rob Pelinka talks a strong game, but it may be time to consider moving on. He loves players who excel at one skill and struggle elsewhere. His roster-building chops are questionable at best, and he continues to fail to address his team’s needs.
This signing isn’t it. It is similar to the Nick Smith Jr. deal. He got an undersized guard known for his offense, and it won’t work on a roster with three stars.
The Lakers have a chance to build around Luka Doncic this summer, and they can’t let Pelinka be the one calling the shots. If they do, it will end in disaster.