Why did the South Bay Lakers cut Jace Carter?

Jace Carter was released to make room for Kobe Bufkin's return to the South Bay Lakers affiliate.

Who is Kobe Bufkin returning to?

Kobe Bufkin has returned to the Los Angeles Lakers' G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.

What are Jace Carter's stats with the South Bay Lakers?

Jace Carter played limited minutes for the South Bay Lakers this season and did not score any points.

Home / Sports / Lakers Cut Jace Carter, Welcome Back Kobe Bufkin

Lakers Cut Jace Carter, Welcome Back Kobe Bufkin

6 Dec, 2025

•

Summary

Jace Carter was released by the South Bay Lakers.
Kobe Bufkin has returned to the Lakers' G League affiliate.
Carter played limited minutes without scoring for South Bay.

Lakers Cut Jace Carter, Welcome Back Kobe Bufkin

The South Bay Lakers, the G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers, have adjusted their roster. On Friday, the team welcomed back player Kobe Bufkin, which necessitated a corresponding roster move. Jace Carter was released to accommodate Bufkin's return to the team. Carter, a 6-foot-5 guard, has not yet played in the NBA and saw limited action with the South Bay Lakers this season.

Carter's tenure with the South Bay Lakers was brief, as he appeared in only four games, averaging 8.0 minutes per contest. During this limited playing time, he did not record any points. His collegiate career included stints at Illinois-Chicago and Texas A&M, with more promising statistics at his first institution.

With his release from the South Bay Lakers system, Jace Carter may explore opportunities internationally. The team does not appear to have significant concerns regarding his departure from their G League program, signaling a strategic decision to prioritize other roster needs.