Following the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers‘ chances of making upgrades were limited to the pool of players available in the buyout market. While the Lakers were linked with some viable options, including the likes of Cam Thomas (who eventually signed with the Milwaukee Bucks), with only one roster spot available, L.A. opted to sign Kobe Bufkin to a two-year deal.
For all intents and purposes, this has marked the end of the Lakers’ roster-building approach. WithLakers head coach JJ Redick emphasizing his lack of faith in the buyout market, the front office is unlikely to make further moves.
“The buyout market. I’ll just be frank, because I did this when I was working in media, it very rarely produces a player that impacts a team’s playoff chances,” Redick had stated. “It just very rarely does.”
Redick’s approach while announcing the decision to sign Bufkin seemed reasonable enough, highlighting the need for players who can immediately have an impact on the floor. Given the Lakers’ current position, placing fifth in the West with a 33-21 record, adding healthy players is a necessity.
Although the buyout market features talented options, with players such as Haywood Highsmith emerging as ideal targets, considering their availability this season, they may prove to be poor investments.
In this regard, signing a player like Bufkin, who has played for the South Bay Lakers and is familiar with the system, makes sense. Still, it raises some eyebrows about the team’s ambition.
While Kobe Bufkin has been impressive in the G League this season, averaging 27.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, he hasn’t necessarily performed as well in the NBA. Although it can be argued that he hasn’t earned much playing time, averages of 3.2 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game don’t necessarily inspire much confidence.
At the start of 2026, the Los Angeles Lakers were expected to be one of the most active teams in making deals ahead of the trade deadline. Although they only succeeded in acquiring Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks, there was some optimism about the potential to keep growing in the buyout market.
This has been to no avail, as the Lakers have effectively shut the door on any further improvements. Apart from Cam Thomas, the Purple and Gold have also missed out on Jeremy Sochan, who signed with the New York Knicks recently. Considering their immediate roster needs, a player like Sochan may have been ideal for the bench unit.
Additionally, L.A. has also restricted any possibility of signing players who could potentially be bought out in the coming weeks. These include players like Cole Anthony, Marvin Bagley III, and even former NBA champion Khris Middleton.
Middleton, despite his recent drop-off, could arguably add more value than Bufkin even at this stage in his career. With averages of 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, the forward’s experience and shooting upside could make him an asset for the Purple and Gold.
Whether the Lakers will regret their decision is something only time will tell. Currently, the Lakers can only hope their roster moves pan out as they head into the remaining 28 games of the campaign.
