Much of the attention surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, has centered on Kobe Bufkin this season, who recently signed a two-year NBA deal.
Bufkin averaged a league-leading 27.7 points per game while shooting an eye-catching 43.1% from three-point range on high volume prior to his permanent call-up.
His emergence has been one of South Bay’s biggest success stories this season. However, another rising talent has quietly begun generating attention of his own.
Undrafted rookie RJ Davis has flashed promise throughout the year, but his recent stretch has marked a clear step forward in both confidence and consistency, culminating in an appearance at All-Star Weekend.
Lakers Rookie Earns Spotlight at G League Next Up Event
Davis led Team White to the championship game of the G League Next Up four-team tournament in Los Angeles, further cementing his growing reputation.
In the opening game, the South Bay guard recorded five points, two assists, and one steal while shooting 2-of-3 from the field, including one three-pointer, in just five minutes. His team secured a convincing 37-25 win over Team Blue.
He followed that performance in the finals with another efficient outing, scoring five points alongside one rebound, one assist, and one block on 2-of-4 shooting, again connecting from beyond the arc. Team White ultimately fell just short, losing 31-29 to Team Black.
Davis’ inclusion in the All-Star event, alongside two-way players and others with NBA experience, highlighted just how quickly he has elevated his profile this season.
Through 32 G League games, he is averaging 19.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per contest while shooting 44.9% from the field and an impressive 41.2% from three-point range.
“Just coming into training camp for both the Lakers and South Bay, I kind of wanted to show that I’m more than just scoring, that I can playmake, especially for my size,” Davis recently said in an interview with ClutchPoints. “You’re going to be playing with other guys that know how to score as well. So just trying to fit that role of being a playmaker, being a role player, just being another dog on the floor.”
Lakers Prospect Building Momentum With Breakout Performances
The transition to the G League can be challenging for rookies, but Davis has steadily elevated his play as the season has progressed.
On January 29, he recorded his first professional triple-double with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Salt Lake City Stars.
He followed that performance by scoring a career-high 45 points in his next game, knocking down six three-pointers while adding eight assists, a stretch that earned him G League Player of the Week honors.
Since mid-January, Davis has scored at least 20 points in nine of his last 12 appearances, establishing himself as one of the league’s most productive offensive guards.
“I think for me, it’s about staying aggressive,” he added. “I think that’s helped me determine whether I’m able to shoot, pass, find open guys or create for myself. I think me being aggressive allows not only for open space for myself, but for my teammates.”
The 24-year-old spent five seasons at North Carolina before going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. After appearing in Summer League and preseason with the Lakers, he was assigned to South Bay to begin his professional career.
Lakers Prospect Showing Complete Skillset Beyond Scoring
While Davis’ scoring has fueled his rise, his all-around impact has further strengthened his case as a legitimate NBA prospect.
Despite standing just 6-foot, Davis has made a consistent impact beyond scoring. He has recorded seven games with seven or more rebounds this season and has surpassed the eight-assist mark on eight separate occasions, including two performances with 10 assists.
He has also shown encouraging defensive instincts, registering multiple blocks in four different games, highlighted by a three-block performance in a win over the Santa Cruz Warriors in late November.
Although Bufkin’s rise has dominated headlines, Davis’ recent progression suggests he may be entering a pivotal phase of his development.
However, Davis remains on a standard G League contract, meaning he is free to sign with any NBA team on a standard deal, two-way contract, or 10-day agreement.
With teams across the league increasingly turning to the G League for emerging contributors, Davis’ continued growth could soon position him for an NBA opportunity of his own.
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