Lakers Waive Kobe Bufkin to Open Crucial Playoff Roster Spot

The Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Kobe Bufkin, a move designed to create flexibility as the team finalizes its roster for the postseason. The decision, made on Friday, April 10, opens the 15th and final roster spot, allowing the organization to either sign a free agent or convert a two-way contract before the league’s Monday deadline.

As Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, I have seen many teams navigate these late-season roster gymnastics, but the timing here is precise. With playoff rosters officially set at noon on Monday, the Lakers are operating in a narrow window to ensure they have the best possible depth for a deep run.

Bufkin’s tenure in Los Angeles was brief and largely limited to low-leverage situations. After starring for the South Bay Lakers, the organization’s G League affiliate, Bufkin signed a 10-day contract on Jan. 13, 2026, which was later converted into a standard two-year deal on Feb. 8, including a team option for the 2026-27 season. In 16 games, Bufkin averaged 7.4 minutes per contest, with the majority of his appearances coming during “garbage time.” His final contribution came during Thursday’s road victory over the Golden State Warriors, where he played four minutes, scoring two points and recording one assist.

The Path to Los Angeles: A Journey of Volatility

The move marks another transition for Bufkin, whose professional trajectory has been characterized by frequent movement since entering the league. A standout at the University of Michigan and a 2021 McDonald’s All-American, Bufkin was selected 15th overall in the 2023 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks.

After spending two seasons with Atlanta and a stint with the College Park Skyhawks, Bufkin was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in September 2025. Still, his time in Brooklyn was short-lived; he was waived in October before being traded to the South Bay Lakers in November. It was his performance in the G League that eventually earned him the call-up to the main Lakers roster in January.

For those unfamiliar with how these roster spots work, the NBA limits teams to 15 standard roster spots. When a team waives a player, they are essentially betting that the value of an open spot—which can be used to promote a developmental player or sign a veteran—outweighs the value of the player they are releasing.

Who Fills the Void? The Lakers’ Options

The Lakers now face a strategic choice. They can look toward the open market or promote from within. According to reports, two internal candidates on two-way contracts have recently shown promise:

• Nick Smith Jr.: A guard who has impressed recently, scoring 23 points in 23 minutes across games against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors, shooting 8-of-11 from the field.
• Drew Timme: A massive man who started in a Tuesday loss to the Thunder, contributing 11 points and three rebounds, and appearing in nine minutes against the Warriors.

The urgency is driven by NBA eligibility rules. Players on two-way contracts must be converted to standard contracts before the end of the regular season to be eligible for the postseason roster. If the Lakers choose to look outside the organization, they must target free agents who were waived before March 1 to ensure they are eligible for the playoffs.

Roster Analysis: Strategic Implications

By moving on from Bufkin, the Lakers are prioritizing immediate playoff utility over long-term developmental potential. While Bufkin brought a pedigree as a former lottery pick and All-Big Ten performer, his limited role in the rotation made him the logical choice for a roster casualty.

The decision to potentially convert Nick Smith Jr. Or Drew Timme suggests the coaching staff is looking for specific tactical fits—either a spark-plug guard or additional frontcourt depth—rather than a generalist. The efficiency shown by Smith Jr. In limited minutes makes him a compelling candidate to fill the vacancy.

The Lakers’ front office is now racing against the clock. Whether they opt for a proven veteran from the free-agent pool or reward the hard work of their two-way players, the move is a clear signal that the team is refining its weapon set for the postseason.

The next confirmed checkpoint is the official playoff roster deadline this Monday at noon. We expect an announcement regarding the 15th spot shortly before that window closes.

Do you think the Lakers should promote Nick Smith Jr. Or look for a veteran free agent? Let us know in the comments below.

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