The Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for an ideal path to depth in the backcourt throughout the 2025-26 season. Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent have battled respective injuries, and neither Bronny James nor Nick Smith have secured a steady spot in the rotation.
With the need for depth persisting, the Lakers are turning to 2025 Summer League standout and 2025-26 G League star Kobe Bufkin in a swing for the fences.
Bufkin was the No. 15 overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, but has struggled to remain in the Association in the three years since.