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PORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 17: Kobe Bufkin #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers makes a layup against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at the Moda Center on January 17, 2026, in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: By downloading or using this photograph, User acknowledges and agrees to the terms of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
On Saturday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Orlando Magic in Florida.
The Lakers secured a narrow victory with a score of 105-104.
Luka Doncic maintained his impressive form, totaling 33 points, five rebounds, eight assists, four steals, and one block while shooting 12/30 from the field and 3/13 from three-point range during 38 minutes of play.
Lakers Announce Roster Changes
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 13: Kobe Bufkin #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers competes against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on January 13, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Following Saturday’s game, the Lakers announced they had recalled two players from the South Bay (G League).
Ryan Ward of Lakers OnSI reported: “The Los Angeles Lakers have recalled guard Kobe Bufkin and forward Adou Thiero from the South Bay Lakers.”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 28: Adou Thiero #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers in a game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Bufkin This Season
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 15: Kobe Bufkin #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives past LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on January 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Bufkin has participated in 11 games for the Lakers (including one start).
He is averaging 3.0 points per game, shooting 28.9% from the field and 15.0% from beyond the arc.
The former Michigan standout has also played for the Atlanta Hawks over three seasons in the professional league.
Thiero This Season
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 16: Adou Thiero #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrait during the 2025 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at UNLV on July 16, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Thiero is currently in his rookie season after being selected 36th overall last summer from Arkansas.
He is averaging 1.5 points and 1.1 rebounds per game, shooting 47.6% from the field in 19 games.
Lakers Prepare for Pistons Showdown
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 12, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick speaks with Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on February 12, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Lakers are among the hottest teams in the NBA.
They currently hold the third seed in the Western Conference with a 46-25 record after 71 games.
Additionally, the Lakers are in the midst of a nine-game winning streak.
After facing the Magic, they will head to Michigan to take on the Detroit Pistons on Monday night.
GettyLos Angeles, California February 8, 2025 – Lakers LeBron James, left, and Luka Doncic watching the game from the bench at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
If the Lakers manage to maintain their health, they are poised to be strong contenders for the 2026 NBA Finals.
Last season, they lost to Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs (in five games).
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has covered the NBA for more than seven years.
He has contributed to OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead, and hosted a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. Read more from Ben Stinar
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