Los Angeles Lakers Make Roster Move Before Bulls Game

On Thursday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Chicago Bulls.

They most recently beat the Minnesota Timberwolves (also in Los Angeles) by a score of 120-106.

Kobe Bufkin finished the win with two points while shooting 1/2 from the field in two minutes of playing time.

Los Angeles Lakers Assign Kobe Bufkin To South Bay

GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 17: Shaedon Sharpe #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers fights for a loose ball against Kobe Bufkin #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Moda Center during the fourth quarter on January 17, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)

Before their showdown with the Bulls on Thursday, the Lakers have made a roster move by assigning Bufkin to South Bay (G League).

Bufkin has played well in the G League, averaging 27.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per contest while shooting 52.2% from the field and 43.1% from three-point range in 14 games (13 starts) this season.

That said, he is only averaging 3.0 points per contest in 11 NBA games this year.

ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote (on February 8): “The Los Angeles Lakers are signing guard Kobe Bufkin to a two-year deal, with a team option for the 2026-27 season, sources tell ESPN. Bufkin has starred for L.A.’s South Bay affiliate and now rejoins the Lakers in his third NBA season to fill their 15th roster spot.”

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 10: Kobe Bufkin #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers on court against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Bufkin Before Los Angeles

The former Michigan star was the 15th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

He has also had stints with the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets over three seasons.

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 04: Kobe Bufkin #44 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the preseason match between the Brooklyn Nets and Hapoel Jerusalem B.C. at Barclays Center on October 04, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)

His carer averages are 4.4 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per contest while shooting 35.6% from the field and 20.3% from three-point range in 38 games.

At just 22, Bufkin has shown a lot of promise during his time in the G League.

It’s still possible he could develop into a solid rotational piece at the NBA level.

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 13: Kobe Bufkin #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers on court against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on January 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Lakers Ahead Of Bulls

The Lakers enter the night as the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 40-25 record in 65 games.

They have won three in a row (and six out of their last ten).

GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 17: Kobe Bufkin #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers lays the ball up against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at the Moda Center on January 17, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)

Following the Bulls, the Lakers will remain at home to host the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.

Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years. 

He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar