Lakers Sign G League Star Kobe Bufkin

Merlin sees the Lakers signed guard Kobe Bufkin to a two-year contract with a team option for 2026-27 after his G League explosion. The 22-year-old former Michigan star and 2023 No. 15 pick struggled for minutes in Atlanta but averaged 27.7 points, 3.4 made threes and shot 52.2 percent with South Bay. With a roster spot open after the trade deadline, Los Angeles added him as the 15th man following a 10-day stint. Merlin notes the fit is natural. Los Angeles needs shooting and depth for a playoff push, and Bufkin’s scoring and perimeter touch are real. He is not Kobe Bryant reincarnated, despite the name, but he offers cheap upside. If his hot shooting translates in regular minutes, the Lakers get a low-risk, high-reward boost.