Lakers Sign Kobe Bufkin to Final Roster Spot
LOS ANGELES — Just before the Lakers faced off against the Warriors, Rob Pelinka, the president of basketball operations and general manager, mentioned to several reporters that the team had done its “due diligence” and was inclined to fill their final open roster slot.
Later that day, the Lakers confirmed this by signing Kobe Bufkin to a two-year contract, which includes a team option for the 2026-27 season. While the signing might not have created much buzz initially, it was officially announced during Sunday’s Super Bowl.
Though there were other potential directions the Lakers could have taken to complete their roster, bringing Bufkin on board seems like a smart choice.
Before diving into why Bufkin deserves a full-time spot in the NBA—and how he might still find himself out of the regular rotation this season—it’s worth noting the other options the Lakers had for that final roster position.
In discussions about roster changes, it’s common to hear the “shoulda, coulda, woulda” narrative. The Lakers could have pursued someone from the buyout or midseason free-agent market.
Players like Cam Thomas, recently signed by the Bucks after being waived by the Nets, and Haywood Highsmith, also waived by the Nets, were speculated to be candidates for the Lakers.
That said, each player carried its own concerns or simply didn’t fit the team’s needs. Thomas, while undoubtedly talented—averaging 21.4 points over the last three seasons—might not be ideal for a Lakers team that doesn’t particularly need a smaller, score-first guard who can be questionable defensively. Plus, signing Thomas would obligate the Bucks to make room for him in their rotation, which might not align with the Lakers’ current needs, especially with Austin Reeves back and Luke Kennard acquired.
Highsmith, on the other hand, would have added valuable skills as a 6-foot-5 forward, boasting strong perimeter defense and impressive 3-point shooting stats. However, he hasn’t played this season due to recovering from knee surgery.
This criticism of what the Lakers might have done instead of signing Bufkin points to a broader issue: the midseason free-agent market often lacks players who can genuinely enhance a team’s chances at playoff success, let alone a championship run.
The Lakers’ history with midseason acquisitions—like Spencer Dinwiddie in 2024 and Alex Len last year—has often fell short compared to impactful players like Markieff Morris, whose contributions helped secure a championship for the Lakers in 2020.
Interestingly, the Lakers, who just signed the 22-year-old Bufkin after being intrigued by his potential in the 2023 draft, could be seeing a shift. Bufkin, who was the No. 15 pick, brings notable potential with not just his height at 6-foot-4 and wingspan of 6-foot-8, but also an impressive showing in the G League, indicating a readiness for the next level.
Besides, the Lakers have seen numerous young players they once traded away perform well with other teams. The recent example includes Jordan Goodwin, who was waived to stay within the salary cap before Marcus Smart’s addition.
By acquiring Bufkin, the Lakers are taking a chance on a promising, young player who doesn’t break the bank. In today’s NBA, where managing the salary cap can be quite challenging, this could be a crucial move for the team’s long-term strategy.
