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PORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 17: Kobe Bufkin #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers lays the ball up against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at the Moda Center on January 17, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
On Saturday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers played the Orlando Magic in Florida.
The Lakers won by a score of 105-104.
Luka Doncic continued his hot streak, finishing with 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 in 38 minutes of playing time.
Lakers Announce Roster Moves After Magic Victory
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 13: Kobe Bufkin #18 of the Los Angeles Lakers on court against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on January 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
After Saturday’s game, the Lakers announced the news that they had recalled two players back from South Bay (G League).
Ryan Ward of Lakers OnSI wrote: “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 action 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 appeared in 11 games for the Lakers (one start).
He is averaging 3.0 points per contest while shooting 28.9% from the field and 15.0% from three-point range.
The former Michigan star has also spent time with the Atlanta Hawks over three seasons as a pro.
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 in the middle of his rookie year after being picked 36th last summer out of Arkansas.
He is averaging 1.5 points and 1.1 rebounds per contest while shooting 47.6% from the field in 19 games.
Lakers Ahead Of Pistons Clash
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 12, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick talks with Los Angeles 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 one of the hottest teams in the entire NBA.
They are the third seed in the Western Conference with a 46-25 record in 71 games.
In addition, the Lakers are in the middle of a nine-game winning streak.
Following the Magic, they will continue action when they visit the Detroit Pistons on Monday night in Michigan.
GettyLos Angeles, California February 8, 2025-Lakers LeBron James, left, and Luka Doncic enjoy the game from the bench at Crypto.com Arena Saturday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
If the Lakers can stay healthy, they will be a contender to make the 2026 NBA Finals.
They are coming off a year where 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 been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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