The Los Angeles Lakers need to find some extra firepower in their lineup since they're without superstar LeBron James for the first time in eight seasons.
But, the Lakers are a historic franchise, so they're not going to just crumble. This team is obviously in it to win it, and they're shaping their lineup around guys like Luka Doncic and Walker Kessler.
Now, the Lakers may actually have another weapon that nobody thought would really be this good. The Summer League is a fun place to watch budding talent grow, but it also gives a serious look at what players have promise and could make it in the NBA. One player on Los Angeles' squad during Summer League is getting attention.
Lakers got one of the best undrafted players in the NBA
Arthur Kaluma put on a show during the NBA Summer League. Kaluma plays for the Lakers' NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, and this was his chance to make a case for a two-way contract.
He certainly made that case. Kaluma, who was picked up after going undrafted in 2025 after a four-year college run, averaged 18.6 points and shot 50% on more than five three-point attempts per game in his last five games. He also had a massive 34-point game against the Mavericks in Las Vegas. Last season with the South Bay Lakers, Kaluma averaged 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds in 35 games, according to NBA research, which are also strong numbers.
ESPN's Ben Golliver named Kaluma the best undrafted player in Summer League this season, stating, "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."
Kaluma showed he can be a valuable piece of depth for this team. And he'd be a great complement to Doncic. Sign him up.
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