JJ Redick’s blunt reaction to NBA buyout market, Kobe Bufkin signs

LOS ANGELES – After the NBA trade deadline, Los Angeles Lakers used their own open roster spot to sign Kobe Bufkin who played with their G League affiliate in the South Bay. The signing happened quite quickly, leaving fans on social media are thinkingg on potential candidates for redemption. But before the Lakers game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the head coach JJ Redick talked about why the buyout market is not always the best option.

“There are a lot of factors that go into the buyout market. I’ll be honest, I know that because I did it when I was in the media. It’s very rare that you produce a player that affects a team’s playoff chances. That rarely happens,” Redick said. “The other part of that is making sure that if you get a buyout player, you have to make sure that guy is healthy, that he’s ready to play.”

When it comes to Bufkin, not only were the Lakers familiar with him he raised him on a 10-day contract a few weeks ago, but there was a chance a rival team would grab him first because of his strong play in the G League. The Memphis Grizzlies already signed him to a 10-day contract back in November, so opposing teams are sure to have their eye on him.

The Lakers simply couldn’t let such a talented player slip through their hands.

“Kobe has certainly earned a spot in the NBA with the way he’s played for us in the South Bay this year,” Redick said. “There’s also factors in whether we’re going to be able to keep him in our program. So a lot went into it. We’re really happy to get him on the roster.”

The Lakers roster is ready for the final few months of the regular season. All three of their two-way contract spots are filled, and it doesn’t seem likely at this point that they would eat up a guaranteed salary to potentially open up another standard roster spot.

As for what Bufkin can bring to the lineup, Redick is pleased with the way South Bay head coach Zach Guthrie has emphasized his impact on the defensive side of the field.

“The thing that Zach has really challenged him at this year and gotten better at is just his defensive activity and engagement,” Redick said. “I think he has the positional size to be a plus defender. And obviously his ability to shoot the ball consistently, especially on our team, would be a big asset.”