Arthur Kaluma Earns Summer League Praise for Lakers Deal

Summer League Standout Garnering Lakers Attention

Forward Arthur Kaluma delivered a memorable showing in this year’s NBA Summer League, earning praise from ESPN’s Ben Golliver as the best undrafted player of the event. “Kaluma’s timing for a stellar summer league couldn’t be any better: The Lakers are looking for size, physicality and two‑way contributors as they rebuild their frontcourt following the departures of James and Rui Hachimura,” Golliver wrote. Kaluma’s offense helped Los Angeles reach the tournament’s semifinals, making a strong case for a roster spot.

Kaluma’s breakout performance was highlighted by a viral social‑media moment, where a fan posted his statistics: 34 points, 6 three‑pointers, 5 rebounds and an 11‑of‑16 shooting line. The post quickly spread, reinforcing the notion that the Texas product can impact a team’s scoring attack. Summer League success has shifted the narrative from a player who went undrafted to a potential depth piece for the L.A. frontcourt.

The image below captures Kaluma in a key college moment, showing his aggressive drive against Arkansas Razorbacks defender Adou Thiero.

G League Background Boosts His Case

Kaluma’s professional résumé includes a season with the South Bay Lakers, where he averaged 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds across 35 G League contests. After being waived by the Lakers before the NBA season, he spent that entire first professional year developing in the G League. Those averages demonstrate his consistency and ability to score at a high level in a competitive minor‑league environment.

Entering the 2025 NBA Draft, Kaluma went undrafted out of Texas, then began his professional career in the G League. The Lakers retain his returning rights, meaning they could sign him to a two‑way contract without competing with other teams for his services. However, Los Angeles already has a 15‑player roster and three designated two‑way spots occupied by Chris Manon, AK Okereke and Peter Suder, leaving limited room for additional talent.

With summer league buzz and proven G League production, the narrative is shifting toward a potential deal for Kaluma. The Lakers must decide quickly whether to allocate one of their two‑way slots to him or explore other options. His skill set aligns with the team’s need for size and two‑way impact as they rebuild after losing key frontcourt contributors. If signed, Kaluma could provide immediate depth and a reliable scoring option off the bench.

All information reflects the latest developments, including Kaluma’s standout summer league performance and the current roster constraints facing the Los Angeles Lakers.