The Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed Kobe Bufkin to a two-year contract, marking a symbolic return of the name “Kobe” to the purple and gold almost 30 years after Kobe Bryant was acquired in a draft-night trade on July 11, 1996.
The Lakers sign another Kobe almost 30 years later: a super scorer for…
The 22-year-old shooting guard, selected 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2023 NBA Draft, has spent the majority of his young career developing in the G League with the South Bay Lakers — where he has absolutely dominated this season.
Kobe Bufkin’s G League Explosion (South Bay Lakers, 2025-26)
27.7 PPG (52.2% FG, 43.1% 3PT)
3.9 RPG
4.7 APG
1.5 SPG
1.2 BPG
35.3 MPG
Scored 20+ points in 15 games, including five 30-point performances and three 40-point games
Those numbers earned him a two-way deal earlier this season and now a full two-year standard NBA contract — a massive vote of confidence from the Lakers front office.
Who is Kobe Bufkin?
Age: 22
Height: 1.93 m (6’4″)
Position: Shooting guard / combo guard
College: University of Michigan (2 seasons)
Averaged 14.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.3 SPG
NBA Draft: 15th overall pick in 2023 by Atlanta Hawks
NBA career so far (before new deal):4.7 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.5 SPG in 11.7 MPG (mostly limited minutes with Hawks and brief 10-day stints with Lakers/Grizzlies)
Bufkin will wear No. 18 with the Lakers — a number that carries extra weight given the franchise’s history with Kobe Bryant (No. 8 & No. 24).
The Lakers sign another Kobe almost 30 years later: a super scorer for Doncic and LeBron
Why the Lakers Signed Him
The Lakers are in win-now mode around LeBron James (still elite at 41) and Luka Dončić (franchise cornerstone). They need bench scoring, shot creation, and perimeter defense — exactly what Bufkin provides when he’s on:
Elite three-level scoring (pull-up midrange, catch-and-shoot threes, finishing at the rim)Quick first step and crafty handlesSolid defensive instincts (1.5 SPG in G League)High upside as a secondary creator behind Reaves/Dončić
With Gabe Vincent traded (for Luke Kennard) and Bronny James not yet trusted in meaningful minutes, Bufkin gives JJ Redick a reliable, NBA-ready guard option off the bench.
The Symbolic “Another Kobe” Angle
Almost exactly 29 years and 7 months after the Lakers acquired Kobe Bryant from the Charlotte Hornets (via trade for Vlade Divac on July 11, 1996), they sign another player named Kobe — this time a young, explosive scoring guard with upside.
It’s a fun coincidence, but more importantly: it’s a sign the Lakers are investing in youth and talent development around their superstar core.
Lakers fans — how excited are you about Kobe Bufkin joining the roster? Do you see him carving out real rotation minutes this season? And is the “another Kobe” storyline just fun coincidence or something more? Drop your thoughts below — the second half of the season is here!