People have started searching for Kobe Bufkin because his name carries weight—literally. Named after Kobe Bryant, he’s now playing for the Lakers organization, wearing purple and gold in the G League while trying to prove he belongs in the NBA full-time.
His journey hasn’t been straightforward. Drafted 15th overall in 2023, he’s battled injuries, been traded twice, waived once, and spent most of his time developing in the G League. But he’s averaging over 25 points per game for South Bay, putting up numbers that NBA teams can’t ignore forever.
Who Is Kobe Bufkin?
He is a 22-year-old shooting guard currently on a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was the 15th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, spent two injury-plagued seasons there, got traded to Brooklyn, was waived before the season started, and has since been rebuilding his career in the G League.
Standing 6’4″ and weighing 195 pounds, he’s a left-handed combo guard who can score at all three levels. His game combines size, offensive polish, and body control that scouts liked coming out of Michigan. The challenge has been staying healthy long enough to show it consistently at the NBA level.
Early Life, Family, and Background
He was born September 21, 2003, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Kimberly Camp and Michael Bufkin. Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest city, about 150 miles west of Detroit, known more for furniture manufacturing than basketball talent.
When he was five years old, he told his parents he wanted to play for the Michigan Wolverines—but he meant football, not basketball. That changed as he got older and basketball became his focus.
He attended Grand Rapids Christian High School, a private school with strong athletics programs. His parents supported his basketball development, though specific details about their involvement haven’t been widely shared publicly. He’s mentioned them in interviews but keeps family life mostly private.
Being named after Kobe Bryant wasn’t just a cool story—it shaped his entire relationship with basketball. “Kobe is my favorite player,” he’s said multiple times. He often wears Kobe Bryant signature shoes during games, occasionally switching to Jayson Tatum’s line, but the influence is clear in how he plays—fearless, aggressive, competitive.
Education and Basketball Development
Grand Rapids Christian provided the foundation. He became a three-time All-State honoree in Michigan, earning recognition as one of the state’s best players regardless of classification.
His senior year in 2021, he was selected for the McDonald’s All-American Game—one of only 24 high school players nationwide to receive that honor. That’s when major college programs started paying serious attention.
He committed to play for the University of Michigan, staying close to home and fulfilling that childhood dream of wearing the maize and blue—just in basketball instead of football.
College Years and a Shift in Expectations
His freshman year at Michigan was solid but not spectacular. He played a supporting role, learning the system and adjusting to college-level competition.
His sophomore year changed everything. He averaged 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, earning Third-Team All-Big Ten honors. More importantly, he showed the ability to create his own shot and score in multiple ways—skills that translate to the NBA.
According to Basketball-Reference, scouts liked his size for a guard, his left-handed scoring ability, and his basketball IQ. He was particularly effective attacking the basket, using his body control and touch to finish through contact.
After that breakout sophomore season, he declared for the 2023 NBA Draft. Most mock drafts had him going somewhere in the teens, which is exactly where he landed.
Draft Night and the Reality of the NBA
The Atlanta Hawks selected him 15th overall on June 22, 2023. He signed a four-year rookie scale contract worth approximately $18.2 million with the first two years guaranteed.
Draft night is exciting, but it’s just the beginning. Rookie contracts don’t guarantee playing time—they guarantee the opportunity to prove you belong. For him, that opportunity kept getting interrupted by injuries.
Life as a Young NBA Player
His rookie season with Atlanta was sabotaged by a fractured left thumb and sprained toe. He appeared in just 17 games, averaging 3.0 points in limited minutes.
His second season started slightly better, but in December 2024, he underwent season-ending surgery for right shoulder instability. He’d played only 10 games before going under the knife.
In September 2025, Atlanta traded him to Brooklyn for cash considerations—basically giving him away. Brooklyn waived him before the regular season even started. That’s when the real work began.
He signed with the Motor City Cruise (Detroit’s G League team) before being traded to the South Bay Lakers in November 2025. Playing for the Lakers’ G League affiliate gave him the Lakers name recognition, even if he wasn’t on the main roster yet.
In South Bay, he’s dominated. Through 14 G League games, he’s averaged 25.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.9 three-pointers per game. Those aren’t just good numbers—they’re “this guy should be in the NBA” numbers.
Memphis signed him to a 10-day contract in November 2025, but he never appeared in a game before it expired. On January 13, 2026, the Lakers signed him to a 10-day deal, finally giving him another chance at the NBA level.
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Personal Life, Beliefs, and Privacy
At 22, he’s focused almost entirely on basketball. There’s no public information about romantic relationships, and he doesn’t share much personal life content on social media.
There’s no verified information about his religious beliefs. He hasn’t discussed religion in interviews or social media posts, so any claims about his faith would be speculation.
He’s mentioned keeping his head down and working through adversity, learning from what he’s seen around the league. That suggests maturity beyond typical 22-year-old perspectives, probably shaped by the reality of being injured, traded, and waived while peers from his draft class are thriving.
Contract, Salary, and Net Worth Explained Simply
His original rookie contract with Atlanta paid him approximately $3.6 million in year one and $3.8 million in year two. According to NBA salary data, he’s earned at least $8.4 million in NBA career earnings so far.
His current situation is a 10-day contract with the Lakers, which pays a prorated portion of the NBA minimum salary. Ten-day contracts are standard for players trying to earn full roster spots—teams can sign you twice for 10 days, and if they want to keep you after that, they must sign you for the rest of the season.
As for net worth, it’s impossible to know exactly. Between taxes, agent fees (typically 3-4%), and cost of living, NBA salaries don’t equal take-home pay. A player who’s earned $8.4 million might have $4-5 million after taxes and expenses, assuming smart financial management.
More importantly, his earning window isn’t secure yet. Until he locks down a consistent NBA role, his financial future remains uncertain compared to players with guaranteed multi-year deals.
Common Questions
Where is Kobe Bufkin from?
He was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the second-largest city in the state. He attended Grand Rapids Christian High School before playing college basketball at the University of Michigan.
What team does he play for?
As of January 2026, he’s on a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s spent most of the 2025-26 season playing for the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate, where he’s averaged over 25 points per game.
What position does he play?
He’s a shooting guard, though at 6’4″ with good ball-handling skills, he can function as a combo guard. He’s left-handed, which gives defenders a different look than they’re used to.
Was he a first-round pick?
Yes, the Atlanta Hawks selected him 15th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. He was considered a solid mid-first-round pick based on his sophomore season at Michigan.
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