The Lakers officially announced the release of Bufkin! Creating roster space to evaluate new players: Backcourt depth is a potential need.

On April 11 Beijing time, the Lakers officially announced the release of guard Kobe Bufkin. This move will create an opening on the Lakers' 15-man official roster, and the team is expected to evaluate candidates to fill that spot this weekend. Next Monday Beijing time is the deadline to re-sign the 15th player—the signing must be completed before the Lakers' final regular-season game.

As the 15th pick in the 2023 draft, Bufkin had a mediocre and injury-plagued two-season stint with the Hawks. Last summer, he was traded by the Hawks to the Nets and then released by the Nets at the end of the preseason. This season, he spent most of his time with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, playing 24 games averaging 32.5 minutes, 24.8 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.0 rebounds, with shooting percentages of 50.7% FG, 42.3% 3PT, and 89.5% FT. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the G League All-Second Team.

Bufkin's impressive play in the G League led him to receive 10-day contracts from the Grizzlies and the Lakers, and in February this year, he signed a two-year standard contract with the Lakers. However, after moving up to the NBA, his playing time was very limited—16 games averaging only 7.4 minutes per game, 2.9 points, with shooting percentages of 30.0% FG, 19.2% 3PT, and 91.7% FT.

Bufkin's two-year minimum salary contract is only guaranteed for this season. He will still receive his full $844,607 salary for the 2025-26 season, but regardless of whether he clears waivers by next Monday, the Lakers will not be liable for any salary in the 2026-27 season.

There is currently no information on which players the Lakers might consider signing to replace Bufkin. However, with both Doncic and Reaves sidelined due to injuries, backcourt depth is a potential area for the team to strengthen.