Lakers Reveal Roster Update Ahead of Thunder Matchup
The Los Angeles Lakers announced roster changes ahead of their road trip to Oklahoma City. Guards Kobe Bufkin and Dalton Knecht, plus forward Adou Thiero, were assigned to the South Bay Lakers.
South Bay opens its playoff run tonight. The assignments arrived before Thursday’s matchup with the Thunder.
Details on the assignments
The moves were confirmed in a team update. The players will join South Bay for its postseason opener.
- Dalton Knecht: 4.0 points and 1.4 rebounds per game in 50 contests.
- Knecht shooting splits: 44.6 percent from the field and 30.4 percent from three.
- Knecht was the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft from Tennessee.
- Adou Thiero: 1.4 points and 1.0 rebounds per game in 21 games.
- Thiero shooting: 45.5 percent from the field. He was the 36th pick in 2025 from Arkansas.
- Kobe Bufkin: 2.7 points per game in 13 appearances.
- Bufkin shooting splits: 29.3 percent overall and 13.6 percent from three.
- Bufkin was the 15th pick in 2023 and spent time with Atlanta over three seasons.
Team form and standings
The Lakers enter the game riding a four-game win streak. They have won nine of their last ten games.
Los Angeles sits third in the Western Conference. The team holds a 50-26 record through 76 games.
The Thunder lead the West at 60-16 in 76 games. Oklahoma City brings a three-game winning streak into the matchup.
Key recent results and schedule
Los Angeles is coming off a 127-113 home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Thunder feature standout guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
After facing Oklahoma City, the Lakers travel to Dallas. They will meet Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks on Sunday.
Filmogaz.com notes the roster update gives South Bay an immediate boost. The Lakers made the move to balance postseason opportunities for younger players.
Reporting by Ben Stinar. He has covered the NBA for over seven years and written for outlets including Forbes and The Big Lead.
