Lakers Urged to Pursue Arthur Kaluma for Two‑Way Deal

Kaluma’s Summer League Surge

Former Creighton forward Arthur Kaluma has turned heads at the Las Vegas Summer League with a scoring leap. He posted 12 points versus Golden State, then followed with 16 against San Antonio and 18 more against Oklahoma City. The standout performance came against Dallas, where Kaluma dropped a season‑high 34 points, showcasing his growing confidence.

The 24‑year‑old also sharpened his three‑point shot, hitting 38.1% from deep across four games. He had already displayed a 55.6% three‑point efficiency during five G‑League contests with the South Bay Lakers last season. Kaluma combines that shooting touch with aggressive drives, making him a versatile scorer when defenders over‑commit.

Defensive versatility adds another layer to his skill set. He shows up in help‑side situations and can hold his own as an on‑ball defender. The combination of scoring, shooting, and defending makes Kaluma a compelling target for a two‑way contract.

Lakers’ Two‑Way Drama

L.A. already has both two‑way roster spots occupied, leaving the 17‑time champions to consider trimming a current holder. Analyst Daniel Starkand of Lakers Nation argues that the organization should act quickly to secure Kaluma before another franchise does. He highlighted the precedent of the Lakers swapping undrafted talent, suggesting that a move could be realistic.

When asked if the Lakers could replace Peter Suder—an undrafted shooting guard from Miami, Ohio known for his 42.1% college three‑point shooting—Starkand confirmed it’s a viable option. Suder’s space‑creating difficulties and defensive limitations are cited as reasons the team might favor Kaluma’s more rounded game.

The debate centers on risk versus upside. Kaluma’s recent production and defensive awareness hint at pro‑ready improvement, while Suder remains a pure shooter with defensive liabilities. Lakers fans and analysts will watch whether the front office chooses to refresh the two‑way slot with the younger talent.

Potential Impact on Roster

A two‑way contract for Kaluma would give the Lakers a flexible offensive option for the G‑League while preserving a roster spot for the NBA window. With the South Bay Lakers already featuring a solid shooter, adding Kaluma could create a more dynamic backcourt duo in the developmental circuit. The move would also signal the franchise’s willingness to invest in under‑the‑radar prospects.

Should the Lakers decide to cut ties with Suder, the team would free up a valuable contract that could be reallocated elsewhere. The decision would hinge on whether Kaluma can sustain his Summer League momentum into the regular G‑League season. Keeping a balance between provenNBA‑level shooting and versatile two‑way play remains a key consideration for coach and management.

What the Numbers Reveal

Kaluma’s three‑point percentages tell a compelling story. A 38.1% clip in four Summer League games follows a 55.6% mark in just five G‑League contests, suggesting he can maintain efficiency at higher levels. His scoring output—averaging roughly 20 points per game across the four contests—places him among the league’s top performers for a rookie forward.

Defensive metrics are harder to pin down from box scores, but his reputation for positioning and one‑on‑one play suggests he can meet minimum NBA standards. The combination of shooting, scoring, and defensive willingness provides the Lakers with a well‑rounded prospect worth pursuing.

If the organization acts now, it could secure a skill set that addresses several roster needs simultaneously. The timing aligns with the typical two‑way window, where teams look to fill developmental roles without sacrificing NBA flexibility. Fans will be watching closely as the Lakers weigh their options.