Overview
- The Lakers waived guard Kobe Bufkin on Friday, creating a 15th roster slot the team plans to fill after weekend evaluations before the Sunday cutoff for playoff eligibility.
- Los Angeles is short on guards with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves out and Marcus Smart working back from an ankle issue, increasing urgency to add ball-handling and scoring.
- Possible paths include converting two-way players Drew Timme or Nick Smith Jr. to standard deals or signing a free agent who was available before March 1, since only those players can join a playoff roster.
- Bufkin earned his shot by starring for South Bay with about 24.8 points per game and All-NBA G League Second Team honors, but he logged limited NBA minutes across 16 games at 2.9 points per game.
- He will be paid his $844,607 salary for 2025–26 and holds a non-guaranteed 2026–27 year, while NBA rules require any two-way conversion before the regular season ends and finalize playoff rosters at noon Monday.