The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled significantly due to the absence of a high-quality 3-and-D forward. However, it appears they may have found the solution in an unexpected place. His name is Arthur Kaluma, and he is already within the organization.
The player has been a key piece for the South Bay Lakers in securing the top spot in the standings and will enter the 2026 postseason as the best team in the Western Conference.
Kaluma joined the Lakers as an undrafted free agent in 2025 after completing his four years of college eligibility. In June 2025, he signed an Exhibit 10 contract, but his stint was short-lived, as he was waived in September.
Following that brief experience, he moved to South Bay, where he developed his rookie season in the G League. There, he showcased his considerable talent, which now appears to have caught the attention of the organization for a potential NBA opportunity.
Arthur Kaluma’s numbers
During his time with South Bay in the G League, his performance has been impressive. Based on his statistics, he could be on the verge of beginning his NBA journey.
- 14.6 points
- 5.0 rebounds
- 1.6 assists
- 0.9 steals
- 0.5 blocks
- 26-10 team record
- 45.3% beyond the arc
- 4.8 attempts per game
Additionally, he presents the following shooting statistics:
Although these numbers are not the most outstanding, he has shown consistent improvement in his production. Defensively, he possesses a 7’1” wingspan that could significantly help the Lakers in an area where they have struggled throughout the season.
Looking ahead to next season, he could emerge as a strong two-way target for the Los Angeles franchise. For now, all indications suggest that the organization already has him on its radar, and he could build momentum during the postseason to earn a spot on the NBA roster.
