Lakers Summer League: How Arthur Kaluma Is Quietly Winning a Roster Spot (Explained Simply)

Lakers Start Summer League with a Win

The Los Angeles Lakers (a professional basketball team) played their first game in the 2026 NBA Summer League on Friday night. Think of the Summer League as a friendly tournament where teams try out their youngest and newest players. The Lakers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder by a score of 96–84. That means they scored 96 points and the Thunder scored 84.

Young Draft Picks Shine Bright

Two players the Lakers recently chose in the draft (like picking new players from college) were the stars:

• Adou Thiero led the team with:
  • 20 points (baskets scored)
  • 3 steals (taking the ball away from opponents)
  • 2 blocks (swatting the opponent’s shot away)
  • 0 turnovers (he never lost the ball to the other team by mistake)
• Cameron Carr added:
  • 18 points
  • 2 blocks

Both had been a bit hurt before but are now healthy and showing they can run, jump, and play defense.

Another Familiar Face Doing Great Work

While everyone looked at Carr and Thiero, another player named Arthur Kaluma (a forward, which means he plays both near the basket and a bit further out) quietly kept up his good play.

Kaluma’s Efficient Game vs. Thunder

Coming off the bench (meaning he did not start the game but played later), Kaluma did amazing things in only 16 minutes:

• Scored 18 points
• Shot perfectly from the field (that means any basket during play): 5 out of 5 tries
• Made his only three-point attempt (a shot from far away behind the line)
• Went perfect from the free-throw line (unguarded shots after a foul): 5 out of 5
• Grabbed 4 rebounds (catching the ball after someone misses a shot), including 2 on offense
• Gave 1 assist (a pass that led directly to a teammate’s basket)

Important Point: Kaluma has been one of the Lakers’ most steady and reliable players all through the Summer League, even though not many headlines mention him.

Kaluma’s Summer League Numbers So Far

Over three Summer League games (some in California, some in Las Vegas), here is what Kaluma averages:

• 15.3 points per game in just 20.6 minutes (remember, he comes off the bench)
• His long-distance shooting has been weak: only 2 of 11 from three-point range
• But overall he shoots 53.6% from the field and 83.3% from free-throws
• He also averages:
  • 4.0 rebounds (2.0 on offense)
  • 1.3 assists
  • 1.0 block
  • Only 1.3 turnovers per game

What makes him special?

• He brings energy
• He is athletic (can run and jump well)
• He can play different roles (versatility)

Kaluma’s First Professional Season

Last year, Kaluma played for the South Bay Lakers, which is the Lakers’ team in the G League. Think of the G League as a minor league where young players practice and grow, like a farm team in baseball.

• Kaluma was undrafted (no NBA team picked him in the draft), but he played 40 G League games in the 2025–26 season.
• His averages there:
  • 13.7 points
  • 4.5 rebounds
  • 1.4 assists
  • Almost 1 steal per game
  • Shot 54.9% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range
• As the season went on, he played better and better. His team even won 12 games in a row (a record for them) and went deep into the playoffs.
• In March, he stepped up even more: 16.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over 12 games.
• The Lakers liked what they saw and brought him back this summer for more testing.

What Comes Next? A Chance for a Two-Way Contract

The Lakers still have the rights to send Kaluma to their G League team (now called the Coachella Valley Lakers after moving). But he has a real shot at something better: a two-way contract.

What is a two-way contract?
It’s a special NBA deal that lets a player spend time with both the main NBA team and its G League team. Up to 3 players per team can have this type of contract.

Right now, those three spots with the Lakers are held by:

1. Chris Manon
2. AK Okereke
3. Peter Suder

But these spots are not locked in forever. Okereke and Suder are rookies who haven’t done much in Summer League yet. Teams often change these contracts before the regular season starts.

Callout: Kaluma’s mix of athleticism, rebounding, defensive skills, and knowing the Lakers’ playbook makes him a very interesting player to watch. If a two-way spot opens, he is a strong candidate!

Steps Kaluma Could Take to Reach the NBA

If we simplify his path, it looks like this:

1. Play well in the G League (he already did).
2. Impress in Summer League games (he is doing that now).
3. Wait for a two-way contract chance if someone else loses their spot.
4. Shine in training camp to convince the coaches.

Summary

To wrap it up:

• The Lakers won their first 2026 Summer League game 96–84 against the Thunder.
• Young draft picks Thiero (20 pts) and Carr (18 pts) were the headline performers.
• Arthur Kaluma, a 24-year-old forward, quietly scored 18 points perfectly from the field in just 16 minutes against OKC.
• Over three Summer League games he averages 15.3 points, 4 rebounds, and shoots efficiently.
• Last season in the G League he averaged 13.7 points and helped his team win a record streak.
• He is not on a guaranteed NBA deal yet, but his strong summer puts him in line for a two-way contract if one opens up.

FAQ

1. What is the NBA Summer League?
It’s a series of games in the offseason where NBA teams let their rookies, young players, and tryout guys play together. It’s like a practice tournament to see who might be good enough for the big league.

2. Who is Arthur Kaluma?
He is a 24-year-old basketball player who wasn’t drafted by any NBA team but signed with the Lakers’ G League team. He plays forward and is known for hustle, rebounding, and defense.

3. What does “two-way contract” mean?
It’s a contract that lets a player be on an NBA team but also play for that team’s minor league (G League) affiliate. It’s a bridge between the minors and the majors.

4. What is the G League?
The NBA G League is a development league where younger or less experienced players hone their skills. Each NBA team has an affiliate team there.

5. Will Kaluma definitely play for the Lakers in the NBA next season?
Not yet. He is expected to go to the Coachella Valley Lakers (G League) unless he earns a two-way contract. His great Summer League showings make that possible but not guaranteed.

About the Author

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, currently based in Paris. He has over ten years of experience covering the NBA and global sports. (Original article source: Heavy.com, written by Matt Evans.)