Kobe Bufkin is currently an unrestricted free agent following his stint with the Los Angeles Lakers organization. As of April 2026, the 15th overall pick from the 2023 NBA Draft has split his professional time between the NBA and the G League, showing flashes of elite scoring potential despite facing injury setbacks early in his career.

Career Statistical Profile

In his professional career to date, Bufkin has recorded the following cumulative averages in the NBA:

Category Career Average (NBA) G League Peak (2025-26)
Points Per Game 4.7 26.2
Rebounds Per Game 1.9 4.8
Assists Per Game 1.5 4.5
Field Goal % 37.3% 51.5%
Three-Point % 22.7% 40.2%

NBA Performance by Season

Kobe Bufkin’s journey through the NBA has been marked by multiple team transitions and short-term contracts. Below is the breakdown of his performance across different franchises.

Atlanta Hawks (2023–2025)

Drafted 15th overall by the Hawks, Bufkin's tenure in Atlanta was heavily impacted by a right shoulder injury that required surgery in late 2024.

  • 2023-24 Season: Played 17 games, averaging 4.8 points in 11.5 minutes per game.
  • 2024-25 Season: Appeared in 10 games before the season-ending injury, averaging 5.3 points and 2.1 rebounds.

Los Angeles Lakers (2025–2026)

After a brief trade period involving the Brooklyn Nets in late 2025, Bufkin signed with the Lakers. He primarily featured for the South Bay Lakers but saw limited action in the NBA rotation.

  • NBA Stats with Lakers: In 4 games during the 2025-26 season, he averaged 3.0 points and 1.3 rebounds in 11.3 minutes.
  • Efficiency: While his sample size was small, he showed improvement at the free-throw line, shooting 100% on limited attempts.

Dominance in the NBA G League

The G League has been the primary stage where Bufkin has demonstrated his high-lottery talent. During the 2025-2026 season with the South Bay Lakers, his numbers were among the best in the league.

Scoring and Offensive Impact

Bufkin evolved into a high-volume, high-efficiency scorer in the G League. He frequently recorded 20+ point performances, often carrying the offensive load for the South Bay Lakers.

  • Field Goal Efficiency: He maintained a 51% shooting clip from the floor.
  • Perimeter Shooting: On high volume, he converted over 40% of his three-pointers, answering questions about his shooting consistency that followed him from college.

Defensive Contributions

Standing at 6'4" with a 195 lb frame, Bufkin utilized his athleticism to impact the defensive end. In G League play, he averaged over 1.5 steals per game, showcasing the defensive versatility that made him a first-round selection.

College Statistics at Michigan

Before turning professional, Bufkin was a standout guard for the Michigan Wolverines. His sophomore season leap was the catalyst for his high draft stock.

Season School GP PPG RPG APG FG% 3P%
2021-22 Michigan 28 3.0 1.1 0.3 38.0% 22.2%
2022-23 Michigan 33 14.0 4.5 2.9 48.2% 35.5%

During the 2022-23 season, Bufkin earned All-Big Ten honors and proved his capability as a secondary playmaker and primary perimeter defender.

Current Player Status as of April 2026

Following the conclusion of the 2025-26 regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers waived Bufkin to create roster flexibility. He is currently an unrestricted free agent. Despite his modest NBA stats, his G League production (25+ PPG) suggests he remains a high-upside prospect for teams looking for young guard depth and scoring punch.

Summary of Professional Trajectory

Kobe Bufkin’s career stats highlight a player who is currently "too good for the G League" but still searching for a permanent home in an NBA rotation. His development has been hampered by injuries and deep guard rotations in Atlanta, yet his shooting efficiency in 2026 indicates he is ready for a consistent role if given the opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Kobe Bufkin’s career high in the NBA?

Bufkin's NBA career high in scoring is 12 points, though he has multiple 30-point games in the NBA G League.

Which team does Kobe Bufkin play for now?

As of late April 2026, Kobe Bufkin is an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for the Los Angeles Lakers organization.

What are Kobe Bufkin's physical measurements?

Kobe Bufkin is 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall and weighs approximately 195 pounds (88 kg).

Why was Kobe Bufkin waived by the Lakers?

The Lakers waived Bufkin in April 2026 primarily for roster management. Despite his excellent G League performance, he struggled to break into the Lakers' primary rotation during the 2025-26 season.