WWith the emergence of Kobe Bufkin, attention this season has increasingly turned towards the Los Angeles Lakers’ development pipeline.
The former first-round pick has been a standout for the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, earning a 10-day NBA contract earlier this month. In the process, he has reinforced the organization’s growing reputation for uncovering usable talent beyond the margins of the roster.
But Bufkin is not the only name making noise in South Bay. Over recent weeks, another guard has begun to demand attention.
Lakers Prospect RJ Davis Finds His Groove in South Bay
R.J. Davis has flashed potential for much of the season, but his recent stretch has marked a clear step forward in both confidence and consistency.
On Thursday night, the six-foot guard delivered his most complete performance yet, posting a 30-point triple-double in a 125-118 win over the Salt Lake City Stars.
Davis added 10 rebounds and 10 assists, shooting an efficient 11-of-22 from the field while knocking down four three-pointers.
That outing was not a one-off. Davis has now scored 20 or more points in six of his last seven games, a run that reflects a sharp upward trend in his play.
Over that span, he is averaging 23.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, along with just under a steal, with shooting splits of 48.2% from the field and an eye-catching 52.1% from beyond the arc.
His 161 total points during that stretch rank 12th in the G League, while his 25 made three-pointers are the fourth-most league-wide.
The efficiency, volume, and expanded playmaking responsibility point to a player growing rapidly into his role.
A Productive Rookie Season Flying Under the Radar
Davis spent five seasons at North Carolina before going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft.
He suited up for the Lakers’ Summer League team before signing an Exhibit-10 deal, then appeared in five preseason games with Los Angeles before being assigned to South Bay to begin his professional career.
At 24, he has settled in quickly. Through 27 games, Davis is averaging 18.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, on 39.3% shooting from three-point range.
His ability to impact games beyond scoring has been evident throughout the year.
On November 8, he poured in a season-high 31 points against the Valley Suns, adding six rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks while hitting six three-pointers.
Despite his size, Davis has recorded six games with seven or more rebounds and has reached double-digit assists twice. He has also logged multiple blocks in three separate games, highlighting his defensive instincts.
While Bufkin’s rise has naturally drawn headlines, Davis’ recent surge suggests he may be entering a meaningful growth phase of his own.
What once looked like a developmental swing is beginning to resemble a player who could contribute within an NBA rotation.
Davis is currently on a standard G League contract, leaving him free to sign with any NBA team on a standard deal, two-way contract, or 10-day agreement, with no obligation to remain tied to the Lakers beyond South Bay.
Around the league, teams have increasingly capitalized on similar situations. The Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers have all turned to the G League in recent weeks to secure short-term contributors.
If Davis continues on his current trajectory, it may only be a matter of time before another franchise takes notice.
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