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Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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The Los Angeles Lakers are making a roster move before taking on the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the team is adding the veteran guard, Kove Bufkin. The deal is expected to be a 10-day contract.

If Bufkin is available on Tuesday night, he’ll get a chance to face his former team. Back in 2023, Bufkin entered the NBA out of Michigan, landing with the Hawks as the 15th overall pick.

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During two seasons with the Hawks, Bufkin appeared in 27 games. He averaged 11.9 minutes on the court, shooting 37 percent from the field. He produced 5.0 points per game, 2.0 rebounds per game, and 1.6 assists per game.

Back in September, Bufkin was traded from the Hawks to the Brooklyn Nets. Once he landed on the Nets, he was waived roughly one month later. His NBA G League rights were dealt to the Lakers’ affiliate, giving LA a closer look at the veteran guard.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 04: Kobe Bufkin #44 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the preseason match between the Brooklyn Nets and Hapoel Jerusalem B.C. at Barclays Center on October 04, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)

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In November, Bufkin signed a temporary contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. He spent just 10 days with the organization, failing to pick up any playing time. After the deal expired, he returned to the G League to continue playing for the South Bay Lakers.

In seven regular-season games with South Bay, Bufkin averaged 32.1 minutes per game. He produced 28.7 points per game while shooting 54 percent from the field. He takes 8.4 threes per game, producing on 39 percent of his shots.

Following their Monday night loss against the Sacramento Kings, the Lakers will host the Hawks. Bufkin’s availability for the matchup is unclear.

The Lakers are hoping to snap a three-game losing streak. After a loss against the struggling Kings, LA dropped to 23-14 on the year. They remain fifth in the Western Conference, but have the Phoenix Suns right behind them with a 24-15 record.

For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

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