The Lakers may have uncovered a summer league standout in Arthur Kaluma, and his timing could not be much better.
With LeBron James out for the first time in eight seasons, Los Angeles is searching for extra scoring and a little more punch around Luka Doncic. The franchise isn’t built to fold, and the roster is being shaped with players who can fit around Doncic and Walker Kessler.
Kaluma, who plays for the Lakers’ NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, made a real push for a two-way contract during Summer League. The undrafted 2025 forward, coming off a four-year college career, delivered a strong run in Las Vegas.
Over his last five games, he averaged 18.6 points and shot 50% on more than five three-point attempts per game. He also dropped 34 points against the Mavericks.
His production wasn’t limited to the summer stage, either. Last season with South Bay, Kaluma averaged 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds in 35 games, according to NBA research.
ESPN’s Ben Golliver called Kaluma the best undrafted player in Summer League this season, saying, "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."
For a Lakers team trying to find useful depth, Kaluma has made a convincing case. He looks like the kind of piece that can help, and he fits the mold of a clean complement next to Doncic.
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