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Lakers Have Two Prime Candidates to Replace Kobe Bufkin
Gary A. Vasquez Imagn Images

Lakers Have Two Prime Candidates to Replace Kobe Bufkin

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Jordan Pagkalinawan  |  Last updated Apr 10, 2026 3:21 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers’ guard rotation took a minor hit Friday, as the team waived G League standout and former first-round pick Kobe Bufkin. The 22-year-old signed a two-year deal with LA in February. However, he had inconsistent reps despite the team’s injury crisis—particularly with the absences of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. In 7.4 minutes across 16 games (one start), Bufkin averaged 2.9 points, 0.8 rebounds and 0.6 assists.

With one roster spot open ahead of the Lakers’ postseason run, two possible candidates are right under their noses.

Lakers Have Two Prime Candidates to Replace Kobe Bufkin

Head coach JJ Redick said he wanted players who’d be “all-in” for the postseason. Luckily for him, two other young standouts may fit the bill perfectly.

Nick Smith Jr.

Coming off a garbage time heater against Golden State, Nick Smith Jr. reminded Laker Nation why he’s a positive asset to the purple and gold. In 11 minutes of action Thursday, Smith scored 12 points on 4-5 shooting from three—all of his buckets coming from fourth-quarter target practice. That followed a modest 11-point outing in LA’s Tuesday loss to the OKC Thunder, where he went 4-6 from the field.

After a breakout game in November and a decent stretch in December, Smith Jr. largely became an afterthought in LA. A series of unfortunate events has pressed him back into service, and needless to say, he’s delivered.

Smith Jr. is a logical replacement for Bufkin with his elite perimeter scoring, a lifeline for the Lakers’ bench. While Luke Kennard has unexpectedly become one of the Lakers’ primary facilitators and Jake LaRavia has re-emerged as a solid guard/wing hybrid, their promotion to the first five has left the bench bereft of ball handlers—a role Smith Jr. could easily fill. The 6’2” guard has started to prove his worth to Lakers coaches and fans. Giving him a true shot in time for the postseason seems like a worthy move.

Drew Timme

As the Lakers’ frontcourt faces just as much uncertainty, second-year forward Drew Timme has admirably answered the call. Like Smith Jr., Timme was productive in Tuesday’s loss to the Thunder, which also marked his first start of the season. He put up 11 points (4-9 FG, 2-4 3PT), three rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes—doing most of his damage in the first quarter. Timme has become a pleasant surprise as a playmaking stretch big. That offensive versatility with his 235-pound frame would be a welcome sight for LA’s front line.

Given the Lakers’ recent instability at the four and the five, Timme has a solid case to earn a guaranteed contract—much like he did with the Nets last March. He has flashed solid potential despite limited opportunities and already earned the trust of LeBron James. If the Lakers pass on Smith Jr., they could at least set their watches to “Timme time,” since he has the tools and the mindset to effectively star in his role.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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