History of Kobe Bufkin in Timeline

Kobe Bufkin is a professional basketball player currently with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Prior to his professional career, he was a standout player at Grand Rapids Christian High School, earning All-State honors three times and being named a McDonald's All-American in 2021. He then played college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines, where he was recognized as a third-team All-Big Ten selection in 2023. Bufkin was drafted 15th overall in the 2023 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks, spending two seasons with the team before joining the Lakers.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1995: Multiple McDonald's All-American Selections

In 1995, Louis Bullock, Robert Traylor and Albert White were McDonald's All-American selections.

1999: Michigan State Spartans Season

In 1999, the Michigan State Spartans began their national championship season.

2000: Michigan State Spartans National Championship

In 2000, the Michigan State Spartans won the national championship.

2002: Last McDonald's All-Americans

In 2002, Daniel Horton was the University of Michigan's last McDonald's All-American before Diabaté, Houstan and Bufkin.

September 21, 2003: Kobe Bufkin's Birth

On September 21, 2003, Kobe Bufkin was born. He is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

2015: Last McDonald's All-American From Michigan

In 2015, Deyonta Davis was the state of Michigan's last McDonald's All-American before Kobe Bufkin.

February 27, 2019: MHSAA District Semifinal Loss

On February 27, 2019, Kobe Bufkin scored 35 points in a 71–63 Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) district semifinal season-ending loss to Catholic Central High School of Grand Rapids.

February 15, 2020: Attended Michigan State game

On February 15, 2020, Kobe Bufkin attended a Michigan State game against Maryland and celebrated the 20th anniversary of the 1999–2000 Michigan State Spartans national championship season.

November 11, 2020: Bufkin signed with Michigan

On November 11, 2020, Kobe Bufkin signed with Michigan and was the 63rd ranked member of the class of 2021.

February 20, 2021: Fractured Left Wrist

On February 20, 2021, Kobe Bufkin fractured his left wrist, causing him to miss most of the COVID-delayed/shortened season.

December 20, 2021: Big Ten Freshman of the Week

On December 20, 2021, Kobe Bufkin earned co-Big Ten freshman of the week honors for his performance against Southern Utah.

2021: Bufkin was ranked

In 2021, Bufkin was ranked 78th in the national class and committed to Michigan, pushing their class to 3rd ranked.

2021: Michigan Wolverines Recruiting Class

In 2021, Kobe Bufkin committed to playing college basketball for Michigan. He was part of a recruiting class that was the top-ranked class in the nation.

2021: McDonald's All-American

In 2021, Kobe Bufkin was named a McDonald's All-American while playing for Grand Rapids Christian High School.

February 17, 2022: Double Digits Against Iowa

On February 17, 2022, Kobe Bufkin scored 10 points against Iowa.

2022: Minutes played

Following the 2022 departures, Bufkin picked up more minutes.

February 2, 2023: First Career Double-Double

On February 2, 2023, Kobe Bufkin recorded his first career double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds against Northwestern.

July 3, 2023: Signed with Atlanta Hawks

On July 3, 2023, Kobe Bufkin signed a rookie-scale contract with the Atlanta Hawks.

2023: NBA Draft Selection and All-Big Ten Honors

In 2023, Kobe Bufkin earned third-team All-Big Ten honors while playing college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines. He was also selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks.

January 29, 2024: 43 Points for Skyhawks

On January 29, 2024, Kobe Bufkin scored 43 points for the College Park Skyhawks.

February 2024: Increased Role with Hawks

In late February 2024, Kobe Bufkin was thrust into the main rotation for the Atlanta Hawks due to Trae Young's injury.

December 18, 2024: Season-Ending Surgery

On December 18, 2024, it was announced that Kobe Bufkin would undergo season–ending surgery to address right shoulder instability.

September 16, 2025: Traded to Brooklyn Nets

On September 16, 2025, Kobe Bufkin was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for cash considerations.

November 23, 2025: Signed with Memphis Grizzlies

On November 23, 2025, Kobe Bufkin signed a 10-day hardship deal with the Memphis Grizzlies before returning to the Lakers.

2025: NBA Summer League

Kobe Bufkin returned to action in the 2025 NBA Summer League, averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.0 steals during 26.5 minutes of play.