Lakers Sign Former Hawks First-Round Pick to 10-Day Contract

The Los Angeles Lakers have made headlines with their recent signing of Kobe Bufkin, a former first-round pick of the Atlanta Hawks. This strategic move comes as the Lakers prepare to face the Hawks in an exciting matchup.

Kobe Bufkin Joins the Lakers on a 10-Day Contract

According to sources from ESPN, the Lakers have officially signed guard Kobe Bufkin to a 10-day contract. Bufkin, selected as the 15th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft from the University of Michigan, previously struggled with injuries during his tenure with the Hawks.

After playing just 27 games with Atlanta, where he averaged 5.0 points and 1.6 assists in 11.9 minutes, Bufkin was traded to the Brooklyn Nets over the summer. He has since shown promise while playing for the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate, and had a brief stint with the Memphis Grizzlies this season.

Bufkin’s Performance and G League Stats

In the G League, Bufkin excelled, participating in 14 games where he demonstrated his skill set remarkably:

• Points per game: 23.6
• Rebounds per game: 5.4
• Assists per game: 5.9
• Steals per game: 1.4
• Field goal percentage: 44.4%
• Three-point percentage: 35.6%
• Free throw percentage: 82.9%

As the Lakers aim to solidify their roster, Bufkin’s skills could provide a significant boost, especially as the season progresses.

Overview of the Upcoming Game against the Hawks

The Lakers are gearing up to play the Hawks, who are seeking their fourth consecutive win to improve their record to 21-21. Atlanta has shown improvement offensively, ranking 8th in points and 4th in three-point shooting percentage this season. Their offense is expected to become even stronger with key players like Risacher and Porzingis expected to return.

Current Team Statistics

Here’s a comparison of the team statistics ahead of the matchup:

Both teams will be looking to capitalize on their strengths. The Lakers, known for their potent offense, will face off against the Hawks, who are steadily improving in their gameplay. It promises to be an electrifying match as both teams vie for victory.