Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images

Lakers Make Roster Move on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Ishaan Bhattacharya | Last updated Nov 13, 2025 1:18 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a strong start to the season, jumping out to an 8-4 record despite LeBron James not making his season debut. Star backcourt Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic have also intermittently missed games, but JJ Redick has found ways to keep the team competitive despite their rotating lineups.

Outside the 15-man NBA roster, the Lakers are allowed to have three additional two-way contract slots. However, the developmental arm of an NBA team usually casts a wider net, with the team's G League affiliate used to keep talented players within their system, allowing for development and potentially providing an NBA opportunity if one arises.

Atlanta Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin (4) drives to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second quarter at State Farm Arena.Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

As a result, the Lakers are expected to sign former No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Kobe Bufkin, to the South Bay Lakers in the G League, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

"The South Bay Lakers plan to acquire former Atlanta Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin, sources told ESPN. Bufkin was the No. 15 pick in the 2023 draft out of the University of Michigan. Bufkin was traded from ATL to BKN and entered the G League pool after being waived last month."

The South Bay Lakers plan to acquire former Atlanta Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin, sources told ESPN. Bufkin was the No. 15 pick in the 2023 draft out of the University of Michigan. Bufkin was traded from ATL to BKN and entered the G League pool after being waived last month.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 13, 2025

Bufkin was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 5.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 27 regular-season games over two seasons with the franchise. He missed most of last season with a shoulder injury and was traded to the Brooklyn Nets over the summer.

Bufkin has been part of the G League player pool for over a month, with the Nets waiving his NBA contract in October.

The 22-year-old is considered a strong defensive talent at the guard spot, with a decent mid-range scoring game. However, his inconsistent three-point shooting and below-average playmaking for his position have hurt his young NBA career.

Watch out for Kobe Bufkin

: https://t.co/fLGfbO13fw | @CPSkyhawks pic.twitter.com/LlPNjl59Te
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) January 30, 2024

If he can impress with the opportunity he gets with the Lakers' G League affiliate, Bufkin could see a path to another NBA roster spot open up. Whether it happens this season or the next depends on his performances, but this is a tidy pickup for the franchise.

The Lakers have 14 full-time players on their roster, with three players occupying two-way slots, meaning a 15th roster spot is still available.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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