Kobe Bufkin is coming off a year where he appeared in 16 games (one start) for the Los Angeles Lakers.
He finished the regular season with averages of 2.9 points per contest while shooting 30.0% from the field.
Back in April, Bufkin was waived by the Lakers.
Recent Lakers Player Is Still An NBA Free Agent
GettyKobe Bufkin #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers on court against the Sacramento Kings in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
As of July 6, Bufkin still remains a free agent who is available to sign with any team in the NBA.
While he did not get a lot of NBA playing time last year, the 22-year-old had an excellent season in the G League.
Bufkin averaged 24.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per contest while shooting 51.2% from the field and 41.9% from three-point range in 17 games for the South Bay Lakers.
NBA G League wrote (on February 4): “Kobe was UNSTOPPABLE for South Bay 🎯🤩 Bufkin led both teams in scoring with 41 PTS and went 8/13 from beyond the arc to secure a @SouthBayLakers win ‼️”
Looking At Bufkin’s Career
GettyKobe Bufkin #4 of the Atlanta Hawks runs the offense against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on October 10, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Bufkin played two seasons of college basketball at Michigan.
He averaged 14.0 points per contest during his sophomore season, and was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 15th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Despite being such a high pick, the Hawks moved on from Bufkin before the 2025-26 season.
GettyKobe Bufkin #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of their game against the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena on February 22, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Based on how well Bufkin has played in the G League (and still being so young), he is worthy of a look by other teams.
He will be a name to watch as training camp gets closer.
Kobe Bufkin scored 26 PTS including the OT game-winning bucket in the @southbaylakers 125-121 victory over the Hustle.
Looking At The Lakers
GettyHead coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
The Lakers are coming off a season where they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs
They last reached the Western Conference finals during the 2023 season.
JJ Redick is going into his third year at the helm.
Recent Los Angeles Lakers Player Is Still An NBA Free Agent