Trending Now - Lakers Release Kobe Bufkin, Prepare for Playoff Roster Changes
WHO:
Silver Screen and Roll - LeBron James is the oldest player in the NBA.
NY Post - The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference standings.
Sportskeeda - Shams Charania confirmed the waiver of Kobe Bufkin on X.
Sportskeeda - The Los Angeles Lakers are the organization involved in the roster change.
NY Post - Kobe Bufkin is the player who was waived by the Lakers.
RealGM Basketball - Kobe Bufkin was the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
WHAT:
Sportskeeda - The Lakers are preparing to sign Dwight Howard to fill the roster spot created by waiving Kobe Bufkin.
RealGM Basketball - Bufkin's two-year deal with the Lakers was confirmed to have been signed in early February 2026, after he starred for the South Bay G League affiliate.
Silver Screen and Roll - LeBron James scored 26 points, had seven rebounds, and provided 11 assists in a game against the Golden State Warriors on April 7th, 2026.
Silver Screen and Roll - The Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns 101-73 on April 8th, 2026.
Sportskeeda - The Lakers are preparing to sign another player to fill the roster spot created by waiving Bufkin.
NY Post - Bufkin signed a two-year deal with the Lakers in early February 2026, which included a team option for the 2026-27 season.
NY Post - Bufkin's contract included a team option for the 2026-27 season.
Sportskeeda - The Lakers waived guard Kobe Bufkin on April 7th, 2026.
NY Post - The waiver of Bufkin opens a roster spot for the Lakers to sign another player eligible for the playoff roster.
RealGM Basketball - Bufkin appeared in 16 games with the Lakers, averaging 2.9 points in 7.5 minutes per game.
WHERE:
NY Post - The roster move pertains to the Los Angeles Lakers, based in Los Angeles, California.
WHEN:
NY Post - The Lakers are expected to finalize the signing of a new player before the playoffs begin on April 15th, 2026.
Silver Screen and Roll - The Lakers' next game is scheduled for April 11th, 2026.
NY Post - The Lakers are weighing the risks of rushing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves back from injury during the NBA playoffs, which begin on April 15th, 2026.
Sportskeeda - The Lakers waived Kobe Bufkin on April 7th, 2026, which was a Friday.
Sportskeeda - The Lakers waived Kobe Bufkin on April 7th, 2026.
NY Post - Bufkin signed a two-year deal with the Lakers in early February 2026.
WHY:
Silver Screen and Roll - Head coach JJ Redick stated that the Lakers need LeBron to facilitate, score, defend, and rebound as they approach the playoffs.
NY Post - The Lakers' decision to potentially rush players back from injury is driven by the need to improve their chances in the upcoming playoffs.
NY Post - The Lakers are making this roster move to evaluate another signing as they prepare for the playoffs.
Sportskeeda - The Lakers are making this roster move as the postseason approaches.
HOW:
Silver Screen and Roll - LeBron James demonstrated his ability to create plays and contribute defensively, with three of his four steals occurring after halftime in the game against the Suns.
NY Post - The Lakers are considering the long-term consequences of their decisions regarding player injuries as they approach the playoffs.
NY Post - The Lakers are evaluating another signing to fill the roster spot created by waiving Bufkin.
(UPDATED April 11, 2026 23:04 UTC)
The Lakers are preparing to sign Dwight Howard to fill the roster spot created by waiving Kobe Bufkin, who had a two-year deal with the team that was confirmed in early February after his impressive performance with the South Bay G League affiliate. The team is expected to finalize Howard's signing before the playoffs begin April 15th. This move comes as the Lakers look to strengthen their lineup ahead of the postseason.
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(UPDATED April 11, 2026 17:05 UTC)
LeBron James has made history as the oldest player in the NBA, showcasing his skills by scoring 26 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out 11 assists in a game against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. Just a day later, the Lakers secured a decisive victory over the Phoenix Suns, winning 101 to 73, as head coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of LeBron's all-around game as they gear up for the playoffs. The Lakers are set to take the court again on Saturday, where LeBron's ability to facilitate, score, defend, and rebound will be crucial.
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(UPDATED April 11, 2026 15:05 UTC)
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference standings and are preparing to sign another player to fill the roster spot created by waiving Bufkin. As the NBA playoffs approach, beginning April 15th, the Lakers are weighing the risks of rushing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves back from injury, driven by the need to enhance their chances in the postseason. However, they are also considering the long-term consequences of their decisions regarding player injuries as they navigate this critical time.
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(UPDATED April 11, 2026 05:24 UTC)
The Lakers have signed Bufkin to a two-year deal that includes a team option for the 2026-27 season, a move that was finalized in early February. This decision comes as the team looks to evaluate another signing while gearing up for the playoffs. The Lakers are focused on strengthening their roster as they head into the postseason.
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(UPDATED April 11, 2026 03:48 UTC)
The Los Angeles Lakers waived Kobe Bufkin on Tuesday. His contract included a team option for the 2026-27 season, as confirmed by the NY Post. This news was reported by Shams Charania on X.
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(UPDATED April 10, 2026 23:11 UTC)
The Los Angeles Lakers waived guard Kobe Bufkin on Tuesday, creating a roster spot as the postseason approaches. Bufkin, who was the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, appeared in 16 games with the Lakers, averaging 2.9 points in 7.5 minutes per game. The team is now evaluating potential signings to fill the vacancy left by Bufkin.