Former Hawks First-Round Pick Kobe Bufkin Joins South Bay Lakers in New Opportunity

The Los Angeles Lakers have stumbled over the last few games, dropping two of their last three in blowout fashion — including Wednesday night’s heavy defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder. At 8–4 on the season, Los Angeles remains in a good position, but the recent struggles highlight the team’s need for depth and internal development.

One move the organization believes could pay off down the road is the addition of Kobe Bufkin, a former first-round pick now joining the South Bay Lakers.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the G League affiliate plans to acquire Bufkin, who entered the G League player pool after being waived last month.

“The South Bay Lakers plan to acquire former Atlanta Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin. Bufkin was the No. 15 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft out of Michigan. He was traded from ATL to BKN and entered the G League pool after being waived,” McMenamin reported on X.

Bufkin’s time with the Hawks was limited, with the young guard primarily known for his defensive presence rather than polished offensive creation. After being traded to the Nets and subsequently waived before appearing in a game, the 21-year-old now gets a fresh opportunity to rebuild his value with Los Angeles’ developmental program.

With Gabe Vincent continuing to battle injuries and head coach JJ Redick still searching for reliable options behind the primary backcourt rotation, Bufkin could eventually play his way into consideration for a call-up — depending on his growth in South Bay.

Los Angeles returns to the floor Friday at 8:00 PM ET on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans, looking to bounce back and reestablish momentum on their lengthy trip.