After four years in college, former Texas forward Arthur Kaluma has earned his way onto the professional stage.
Kaluma and his representation, Life Sports Agency, announced Thursday night on Instagram that he has signed with the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted free agent following the conclusion of the NBA Draft’s second round. Various sources, including ESPN and The Athletic, have confirmed that Kaluma’s deal is an Exhibit 10 contract.
Despite not being selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, Kaluma’s contract puts him in a position to contend for a roster spot throughout the offseason. His opportunity begins with the NBA 2K26 Summer League, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, between July 10-20.
The pre-draft process made Kaluma busy in preparation for this week. The 23-year-old attended a handful of team workouts as well as the NBA G League Elite Camp from May 9-11.
Kaluma said the Lakers were the next workout on his California tour in an [interview](https://www.nba.com/warriors/videos/draft-prospect-interview-arthur-kaluma-6-4-25) during his Golden State Warriors pre-draft workout on June 4.
During his [Portland Trail Blazers workout](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4qV8IzmEw0) on June 10, Kaluma spoke about the feedback teams had been giving him throughout the workout process.
“(Teams have) been telling me my calling card in the NBA is going to be playing defense and knocking down open shots,” Kaluma said. “So every workout I’m in, that’s what I try to showcase — my ability to guard and my ability to bring energy and communicate.”
Kaluma saw his three-point percentage consistently rise year by year in college, signaling potential success as a floor-extending big at the professional level. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches with a 7-foot wingspan, Kaluma’s defensive impact stems from his positional versatility. He will look to continue displaying those capabilities this summer.
Kaluma’s season at Texas was his third school in four collegiate seasons, previously playing for Creighton from 2021-23 and Kansas State in 2023-24. The big man was an important contributor on each team, starting 131 out of 134 games in college and averaging double-digit points every season.
This year was Kaluma’s third effort with the pre-draft process, so there is no withdrawing and returning to college this time for him, now that he is freshly out of eligibility. It’s the real deal for the Glendale, Arizona, local, and signing with the Lakers made that a reality.
Kaluma is the Longhorns’ second NBA rookie in 2025, as the Washington Wizards selected star shooting guard Tre Johnson at No. 6 overall on Wednesday.