Arthur Kaluma, a second-year forward, is one notable returnee continuing to draw attention as the Lakers evaluate talent during the Summer League slate.
Kaluma’s Summer League performance has been steady, if not spectacular. He appeared in the California Classic opener against the Golden State Warriors, where Cameron Carr led the team with 19 points and five three-pointers in his debut. Kaluma, coming off the bench, contributed 12 points in 17 minutes, adding six rebounds (including three on the offensive end), one assist, and two blocks. While his shooting was inconsistent—finishing 5-for-12 from the field and 1-for-6 from three—the numbers reflected a productive outing for a player still adapting to the NBA pace. Kaluma’s role with the Lakers is expected to be prominent as they continue to assess his fit within the organization’s developmental framework.
Kaluma spent the 2025-26 season with the South Bay Lakers, a roster that featured notable players such as Nick Smith Jr., Drew Timme, Kobe Bufkin, RJ Davis, and regular NBA assignees Bronny James and Adou Thiero. In a season defined by his steady contributions off the bench, Kaluma averaged 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and nearly one steal per game across 40 appearances, shooting 54.9% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range. His performance helped South Bay reach the postseason, and he played a key role during a franchise-record 12-game winning streak late in the season, followed by a deep playoff push.
During March, Kaluma’s production ramped up, averaging 16.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 29 minutes across 12 games. For an undrafted rookie, this level of production signaled tangible progress and provided clear evidence that Kaluma could earn further opportunities with the Lakers in the summer and beyond. He had multiple standout games, including seven 20-point performances and a 31-point game against the Stockton Kings late in the season. In that same stretch, he also tallied eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals in that high-scoring outing. Kaluma’s versatility was evident in three games of three or more steals and a three-block game against the Austin Spurs in January. His nose for rebounds on the offensive glass was another hallmark, with several games featuring multiple关键 offensive boards.
Kaluma’s athleticism, wing defense, and ability to contribute on the glass are attributes that could translate well to the NBA. Having already spent a full season within the Lakers’ developmental system, he is familiar with the organization’s schemes and expectations, making him an appealing player to monitor during the Summer League and upcoming training camp. The Lakers retain Kaluma’s returning-player rights in the G League, meaning he would be eligible to return to the Coachella Valley Lakers if not retained on a two-way deal.
Looking ahead, Kaluma’s continued performance in Summer League and training camp could influence his two-way status. While Okereke, Manon, and Suder currently occupy the Lakers’ two-way contracts, those slots are not guaranteed. Two-way contracts are often fluid, with moves possible as the season unfolds and as players prove their readiness for extended NBA duties. Kaluma’s demonstrated growth and familiarity with the Lakers’ developmental approach position him as a genuine candidate to force consideration for a two-way opportunity.
In summary, the Lakers are prioritizing internal development and evaluation as they refine the roster’s fringe elements. Kaluma’s progression on the floor—paired with the ongoing assessment of Okereke, Manon, and Suder—will shape the team’s plans for depth, flexibility, and potential two-way commitments as the season nears. The coming weeks of Summer League action will be crucial in determining Kaluma’s trajectory and the broader direction of the Lakers’ developmental pipeline.
