US reporter: The Pelicans have signed former Lakers player Kobe Buffkin to a training camp contract.

According to NBA insider Michael Scotto on Saturday, the New Orleans Pelicans have reached an agreement with free agent Kobe Bavkin. TA| reporter Will Gillorie added that the two sides signed a one-year, non-guaranteed training camp contract.

This signing means that Buffkin will compete with other players in the 2026/27 preseason training camp for the Pelicans' final roster spot. If he fails to secure a standard contract, he will also have the opportunity to negotiate a two-way contract.

Bavkin's consistent performance in the 2026 Las Vegas Summer League was a key factor in the Pelicans' decision to offer him a contract. Despite playing only three Summer League games for the Pelicans, Bavkin's all-around performance, averaging 21.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, won the team's favor.

As the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, Bavkin began his professional career with the Atlanta Hawks. He played two seasons with the Hawks, appearing in only 27 regular season games, averaging 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 11.9 minutes per game.

In November 2025, Buffkin joined the Los Angeles Lakers. He subsequently shuttled between the NBA and the G League, and his contract was finalized in February of this year. However, the Lakers ultimately waived Buffkin before the playoffs, instead promoting 22-year-old Nick Smith Jr. to the starting lineup.

During his time with the Lakers, Buffkin played 16 regular season games, averaging 2.9 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 7.4 minutes per game. He also played 24 games for the Lakers' G League affiliate, the Coachella Valley Lakers, averaging 17.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 9.0 assists, and 1.9 steals in 34.7 minutes per game.

Image source: Internet/NBA official website