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Bufkin Returns to G League Lakers After Short Grizzlies Stint
6 Dec
Summary
- Bufkin has been returned to the South Bay Lakers in the G League.
- He previously signed a hardship contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.
- Bufkin was the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by Atlanta.

Jalen Bufkin is back with the South Bay Lakers, the G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers, following a brief period with the Memphis Grizzlies. His return to the G League was facilitated by the conclusion of a hardship contract he signed with the Grizzlies. This situation allows Bufkin to rejoin the minor league team where he was previously under contract.
Bufkin, the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, had a prior history with the organization. He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in September before being waived and subsequently signing with South Bay on a G League contract. His NBA experience includes 27 games for the Hawks.
During his time with the Hawks across the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, Bufkin averaged 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in 11.9 minutes of action. He did not appear in any games for the Grizzlies during his most recent assignment.




