Bufkin's 27 points lead South Bay Lakers past Memphis Hustle

The South Bay Lakers defeated the Memphis Hustle 113-101 on their home court at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. The Lakers established an early lead, outscoring the Hustle 33-21 in the first quarter, and maintained their advantage throughout the game.

Kobe Bufkin orchestrated the offense for the Lakers (4-1), stuffing the stat sheet with a game-high 27 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals. Anton Watson was a key contributor on both ends of the court, scoring 18 points, including four 3-pointers, to go along with 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks. Center Kylor Kelley anchored the defense, recording a double-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds and a dominant 7 blocks. RJ Davis had 17 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, and Arthur Kaluma provided a spark off the bench with 16 points in 18 minutes.

The Hustle (1-6) had six players score in double figures. Jahmai Mashack led the team with 18 points and eight assists. The Hustle's bench provided significant scoring, with Jordan Minor tallying 16 points and four rebounds in just 16 minutes, and Lucas Williamson adding 15 points. Starting guard Charlie Brown Jr. contributed 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocks. Nate Hinton and Tyler Burton each scored 12 points, with Hinton also grabbing eight rebounds.

Up next: The Lakers visit the Austin Spurs on Friday at 8 p.m. ET, and the Hustle plays host to the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Tuesday at 8 p.m..

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