Kobe Bufkin has quickly become one of the most talked-about young guards in the NBA universe, blending potential, adversity, and a journey that’s taken him through multiple teams, injuries, and league levels. This comprehensive profile breaks down everything you need to know about the promising 6’4″ guard — from contract milestones to career performance and trade history.
Draft & Early Career Beginnings
Kobe Bufkin’s professional basketball story began at the 2023 NBA Draft, where he was selected 15th overall in the first round by the Atlanta Hawks. The Michigan product came into the draft with strong collegiate credentials, earning attention for his scoring ability and versatility on both ends of the floor. His first NBA contract was a standard rookie deal signed with the Hawks following the draft.
Contract Journey
Bufkin’s rookie contract with the Hawks was part of his four-year, roughly $19.8 million deal typical for a mid-lottery first-round pick. However, after limited playing time and injury setbacks, his contract status saw significant change in the 2025 offseason.
In September 2025, Bufkin was traded to the Brooklyn Nets for cash considerations, a move that gave him a fresh opportunity and reflected a modest cap commitment by the Nets. His salary for that season was reportedly around $4.5 million, with a team option for approximately $6.9 million in the following season.
As of January 2026, Bufkin was signed to a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, a short-term NBA deal that allows him to showcase his skills at the highest level again.
Trade History & Team Movement
Bufkin’s professional path has included several key transactions:
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Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks (2023) — Bufkin began his NBA career in Atlanta but struggled for consistent minutes behind established starters.
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Traded to Brooklyn Nets (2025) — The Hawks sent Bufkin to the Nets in exchange for cash, giving the young guard a new home and chance to compete for playing time.
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Waived by Brooklyn Nets (2025) — Before the start of the 2025–26 regular season, he was waived, making him a free agent.
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South Bay Lakers & NBA Call-Ups (2025–26) — Bufkin spent significant time in the G League with the South Bay Lakers and earned short NBA call-ups with Memphis and the Lakers themselves.
This journey reflects the challenging transition from college star to established NBA contributor.
Stats & On-Court Performance
On the stat sheet, Bufkin’s NBA career has been a mix of promise and limited opportunity:
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Career NBA averages: around 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game across 27 appearances since his debut.
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G League dominance: In the G League, Bufkin has shown his scoring ability, averaging over 25 points per game in several stretches and contributing across the board in assists and rebounds.
Bufkin’s shooting percentages in the NBA have been mixed, with three-point accuracy remaining an area for improvement.
Injuries & Challenges
Injuries have contributed to the ups and downs of Bufkin’s early career. Notably:
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Thumb fracture early in his rookie season limited his development and continuity.
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Shoulder surgery in the following season further interrupted his NBA playing time and impacted his rotation standing.
These setbacks slowed his progression in Atlanta and factored into his eventual trade and waiver. However, his G League performance suggests resilience and the ability to bounce back.
Future Outlook & Potential
Despite limited NBA experience to date, Kobe Bufkin remains a young player with intriguing upside. Scouts and analysts have noted his scoring instincts, size for a guard, and versatility on offense and defense when healthy. The Lakers’ current 10-day opportunity gives him a platform to prove his value and potentially earn more long-term NBA time.
With continued development and improved shooting consistency, Bufkin could carve out a role as a valuable rotational guard in the league. His journey underscores the unpredictable but exciting nature of NBA careers for young players.
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