Kobe Bufkin
#18SG · Los Angeles Lakers
Height
6'4"
Weight
195 lbs
Age
22
College
Michigan
Experience
2 yrs
Wingspan
6'7.8"
Reach
8'6.5"
Hand Size
8" × 9.25"
D-
D-
D-
—
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsD-
| Year | Team | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 38 | 3.0 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 28.9% | 20.3% | 73.5% |
| 2025-26 | | 11 | 3.0 | 0.8 | 0.5 |
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG | 3PT | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 4/10 | @ GSW | W 119-103 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1-2 | 0-1 | -7 |
Current Contract
Length
2 years
Total Value
$8.0M
Guaranteed
$3.3M
AAV
$5.5M/yr
Guaranteed %42%
Contract Value Index (CVI)
D-
Below Value
OverpayFair ValueGreat Value
Kobe Bufkin's two-year, $5.5M AAV deal with the Lakers represents one of the league's most questionable investments at the shooting guard position, earning a dismal D- Contract Value Index (CVI) grade that reflects severe underperformance relative to compensation. Despite drawing a salary that typically commands solid starter production, Bufkin has delivered replacement-level output that fails to justify even a minimum contract, let alone $11M in guaranteed money. His D- performance grade exposes fundamental deficiencies in shooting efficiency, defensive awareness, and overall basketball IQ that make him a net negative when on the court. The Lakers essentially paid above-average money for a player who belongs in the G League, creating a roster albatross that hampers their salary cap flexibility while contributing virtually nothing to winning basketball. This contract stands as a textbook example of organizational misevaluation, where the front office confused potential with actual production and committed significant resources to a player who simply cannot compete at NBA speed. Bufkin's CVI reflects the harsh reality that paying starter money for replacement-level production is among the worst roster construction mistakes a franchise can make.
Performance Analysis
D-
#132 of 147 Shooting Guards
FCA+
Kobe Bufkin earns a D- Performance grade, indicating below-average production relative to other NBA shooting guards this season. Through 38 games, Kobe is contributing 3.0 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game in his role. Kobe's best relative area is FG% at 28.9, though it still falls below the shooting guard median of 46.0. The biggest area for growth is APG at 0.5 (shooting guard median: 4.0). Among 147 NBA shooting guards graded this season, Kobe ranks 132nd. At 22, Kobe is still developing. The production should improve as he gains experience and a larger role with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Transaction History
Los Angeles Lakers waived guard Kobe Bufkin
Los Angeles Lakers · cut · 4/10/2026
Los Angeles Lakers sign Kobe Bufkin
Los Angeles Lakers · signing · 1/13/2026
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