Lakers Summer League Victory Highlights Four Standout Players

Game Overview

The Los Angeles Lakers opened their main NBA summer league schedule on Friday with a dominant 96‑84 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. After three exhibition games in the California Classic, the Lakers built a sizable lead in the second quarter and never looked back. They shot 53.6% from the field while holding Oklahoma City to 41.4% and forced 20 turnovers. The win showcased the depth of the roster and gave fans a clear preview of what to expect when the regular season arrives.

Key Performers

• Kaluma: The 6‑foot‑7 forward, who spent last season with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, contributed 15 points in just 16 minutes. He converted all five of his shot attempts—including a three‑pointer—and went a perfect 5‑for‑5 from the free‑throw line. Kaluma also added four rebounds and one assist.
• Watson: A 6‑foot‑8, 225‑pound forward and former Gonzaga star drafted in the second round by the Boston Celtics, Watson started at center for the Lakers. He posted 15 points on 6‑of‑12 shooting from the floor, including 3‑of‑6 from three, and provided four assists, one rebound and one steal.
• Thiero: The 22‑year‑old forward entered his second NBA season looking for a rotational role. He finished with a game‑high 20 points on 8‑of‑14 shooting, though he missed all five three‑point attempts and three of five free throws. Thiero also hustled for three steals, two blocks (affirming a denial of Nate Johnson’s layup), four rebounds and four assists.
• Cameron Carr: The 6‑foot‑5 guard, a second‑round draft pick (No. 24), showed polish on both ends. Carr scored 18 points while going 7‑of‑13 from the field, including only one of five threes. He also blocked two shots, recorded one steal, grabbed two rebounds and dished out one assist.

What It Means for the Lakers

The variety of scoring and defensive contributions from these four players indicates the Lakers’ summer league lineup can generate enough competition for limited roster spots. Kaluma’s efficient scoring and Watson’s versatile play at center suggest they are ready to compete for minutes early in the season. Thiero’s relentless activity and ability to finish around the rim could give him an edge for a role off the bench, while Carr’s all‑court skill set keeps the guard position crowded and eager.

Summer league performance often shapes a team’s depth, and the Lakers’ display against Oklahoma City highlights a mix of young talent and hopefuls ready to step up. If these players maintain the pace they showed in Las Vegas, they could become key pieces in Los Angeles’ plans for the upcoming campaign.