The Los Angeles Lakers’ G League pipeline has produced another NBA call-up — but this time, it’s leaving the organization empty-handed. Former first-round pick Kobe Bufkin is signing with the Memphis Grizzlies, ending his brief run with the Lakers’ South Bay affiliate and joining a rival roster in need of backcourt help.
Memphis will sign Bufkin to a 10-day hardship contract, according to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Grizzlies are dealing with one of the NBA’s most injury-depleted rotations, making Bufkin’s arrival both a necessity and an opportunity.
Former First-Round Pick Earns Shot After G League Breakout
Bufkin, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, enters his third season looking for stability after stops with the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets. He earned the Memphis call-up by delivering standout performances with the South Bay Lakers, where he averaged: 22.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists while shooting 50% from three and 44.4% from the field.
Bufkin’s numbers immediately stood out in limited G League action, showcasing a versatile scoring and playmaking mix that had once made him a coveted prospect for multiple front offices, including the Lakers.
Grizzlies Turn to Bufkin Amid Massive Injury Crisis
Memphis’ decision to sign Bufkin comes as the team pushes forward without key starters. The Grizzlies are without Ja Morant, Scotty Pippen Jr., Ty Jerome, and Brandon Clarke for several weeks, while Jaren Jackson Jr. has recently missed time due to an ankle sprain.
The Grizzlies improved to 6-11 after back-to-back wins, but the guard situation remains dire enough to warrant hardship relief from the league office. Bufkin is expected to be available for Monday’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets, according to Charania.
Why the Lakers Lost Their Shot at Bufkin
Ironically, the Lakers had targeted Bufkin as their preferred selection in the 2023 draft but were beaten by Atlanta, forcing Los Angeles to settle for Jalen Hood-Schifino, who is no longer on the roster.
This time, roster depth again worked against Los Angeles. With a crowded backcourt — featuring Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, and Bronny James — Bufkin had no clear opportunity for immediate NBA minutes. Memphis, by contrast, offers an instant role with meaningful minutes.
Should the Grizzlies not extend him beyond the hardship window, Bufkin remains eligible to return to South Bay when the deal expires.
Bronny James Expected to Take Over South Bay Offense
Bufkin’s departure creates an immediate ripple effect in the Lakers’ developmental program: Bronny James now inherits full control of South Bay’s offense.
The second-year guard delivered his best outing of the season on Friday, producing 15 points (5-of-10 shooting), 8 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals.
Bronny’s assertiveness was notable after viral criticism of his passivity from Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who demanded he “shoot the [expletive] ball” during a timeout last week.
Bronny acknowledged Redick’s emphasis on off-ball play and quick decision-making, saying he is learning to become a complementary guard rather than a lead creator.
“I have to learn how to be effective off the ball,” Bronny said. “Have a .5 mentality — shoot the ball when I have open shots and try to get better at that.”
Though his NBA numbers remain limited — 2.1 points on 29.6% shooting — the Lakers insist the G League is a development runway, not a demotion. Bronny previously excelled in South Bay, averaging 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.9 steals last season.
With Bufkin gone, that runway just got longer — and clearer.
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