On Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers will play the Atlanta Hawks (in California).
The Lakers are coming off a 124-112 loss to the Sacramento Kings (on Monday).
Los Angeles Lakers Sign Kobe Bufkin Before Hawks Game
Before Tuesday’s game, the Lakers announced that they had signed Kobe Bufkin.
Via ESPN’s Shams Charania: “The Los Angeles Lakers are signing guard Kobe Bufkin to a 10-day contract, sources tell ESPN. Bufkin has starred for the Lakers’ South Bay NBA G League affiliate and spent some time with the Grizzlies this season.”
The Los Angeles Lakers are signing guard Kobe Bufkin to a 10-day contract, sources tell ESPN. Bufkin has starred for the Lakers’ South Bay NBA G League affiliate and spent some time with the Grizzlies this season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 13, 2026
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JJ Redick Reacts To Los Angeles Lakers Signing Kobe Bufkin
Following the news, head coach JJ Redick shared his reaction to the signing with the media.
Via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin: “JJ Redick says Kobe Bufkin has “shown he can be engaged and guard” with the South Bay Lakers. He says he might not play Bufkin tonight having just signed him this afternoon, but he will get a chance during his 10-day contract.”
JJ Redick says Kobe Bufkin has “shown he can be engaged and guard” with the South Bay Lakers. He says he might not play Bufkin tonight having just signed him this afternoon, but he will get a chance during his 10-day contract.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 14, 2026
Bufkin was the 15th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft out of Michigan.
He has career averages of 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest while shooting 37.4% from the field and 22.0% from three-point range in 27 games.
Via NBA G League (on January 9): “37 PTS 🔥 7 REB 🔥 3 AST 🔥 4 3PM Kobe Bufkin is a scoring MACHINE! He continues to post impressive stat lines for the @SouthBayLakers . He’s averaging 28 PPG this season 👏”
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Right now, the Lakers are the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a 23-14 record in 37 games.
They are in the middle of a three-game losing streak (and 10-7 at home).
Following the Hawks, the Lakers will play their next game on Thursday night when they host LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets in Los Angeles.
The Lakers have signed guard Kobe Bufkin to a 10-day contract. pic.twitter.com/QjISESkAc3
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 13, 2026
As for the Hawks, they are the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 20-21 record in 41 games.
They are 13-10 on the road (and in the middle of a three-game winning streak).
