Lakers Cut Kobe Bufkin, Scramble For Playoff Guard

The Los Angeles Lakers waived guard Kobe Bufkin before Friday’s 5 p.m. ET deadline, freeing a roster spot as they plan to "evaluate a signing over the weekend" ahead of the playoffs. Bufkin, a 22-year-old who lit up the G League but averaged just 2.9 points in 7.4 minutes for L.A., never became a rotation piece. With Austin Reaves expected to miss four to six weeks and Luka Dončić listed out indefinitely, the Lakers’ backcourt depth is thin. Merlin sees this as smart, short-term roster work. Coach JJ Redick will need more from Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and others, so Los Angeles will likely chase a veteran guard whose playoff experience offers steadiness over Bufkin’s upside. Expect a quick, high-floor signing to steady the ship.