Following a remarkable showing in this year's Summer League, forward Arthur Kaluma has presented a compelling argument for a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. His journey, marked by being undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Texas and subsequently spending his inaugural professional season with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, now sees him as a potential asset for the Lakers' roster.
Lakers Eyeing Kaluma After Impressive Summer League Showing
In the vibrant summer of 2026, Arthur Kaluma, an agile forward from Texas, delivered an exceptional performance during the NBA Summer League, catching the attention of the Los Angeles Lakers. This comes after a season with the South Bay Lakers, where he averaged a solid 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds across 35 games. With the recent departures of prominent frontcourt players like LeBron James and Rui Hachimura through free agency, Kaluma's potential addition could provide crucial depth. Esteemed sports analyst Ben Golliver of ESPN specifically highlighted Kaluma as the top undrafted talent in this year's Summer League, underscoring his timely emergence. Golliver noted Kaluma's "stellar summer league couldn’t be any better" given the Lakers' need for size, physicality, and two-way contributors amidst their frontcourt rebuilding efforts. The Lakers now face a critical decision regarding Kaluma's future, as he is eligible to sign with any organization, holding only his G League returning rights. Despite a full 15-man roster and three existing two-way contract holders—Chris Manon, AK Okereke, and Peter Suder—Kaluma's breakout performance may compel the Lakers to secure his services with a two-way deal.
Kaluma's unexpected rise serves as an inspiring narrative, proving that dedication and perseverance can forge new opportunities, even after initial setbacks. His story reminds us of the constant fluidity in professional sports, where an athlete's fortunes can shift dramatically based on their performance and a team's evolving needs. For the Lakers, it's a testament to the importance of scouting and nurturing talent beyond the conventional draft process, potentially uncovering a valuable asset to bolster their future competitive aspirations.
