Great teams find players on the fringes who end up making an impact. The problem with having those types of guys is making space for all of them when there is an abundance of riches. That is where the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at the moment.
As things stand, the Lakers have a full 15-man roster following the signing of Ziaire Williams. Things could still change to free up spots with the main team. The sign-and-trade package for Jonathan Kuminga could send out multiple bodies. Perhaps Bronny James could still be traded, too, even if the recent reports are suggesting that is far from a guarantee.
Why does all this matter? Well, because there are players around the edges who the Lakers should not want to lose to other teams. The main ones have been summer league standouts, on full display for anyone watching. That would be Chris Mañon and Arthur Kaluma.
Both players have shown plenty of promise with regard to being elevated from their current roster position. The problem for the Lakers is figuring out the pathway to accomplishing that before they see their young talent poached by rival teams.
Chris Mañon continues to plead his case to make the Lakers' main roster
Every time Mañon is on the screen during summer league action, it is tough to ignore just how pesky and relentless the tenacious guard is at the point of attack. His offense has flashed just enough promise of improvement, too, that his two-way contract in Los Angeles is starting to look suspect.
It is not that Mañon does not deserve a two-way, quite the opposite. There is a case to be made for him being given a guaranteed spot at the end of the Lakers roster.
Mañon was always going to pop a lot more by comparison to his summer league peers. Perhaps there is a bit of disillusionment to come with him when stacked back up against NBA competition.
Even so, there is an inescapable feeling that if the Lakers do not give him a crack at the main roster, someone else will.
Arthur Kaluma is a two-way talent the Lakers must secure
Arthur Kaluma continues to shine in summer league play as well. Coming off a 34-point outburst against the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers forward followed things up with 15 points off the bench against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. Kaluma also led the team with a plus-minus of +27.
Similarly to Mañon, it just feels like Kaluma is one step below where he deserves to be. The Ugandan hooper has grown within the Lakers system since going undrafted in 2025. The encouraging signs from his recent play make gambling on his upside with a two-way contract much more reasonable.
The Lakers have at least one more summer league game coming up on Thursday against the Chicago Bulls. Another strong performance from Kaluma could help add to his case.
Clearing up a roster spot would allow Lakers to elevate their young guys
Going from 15 guys on the main roster, like the Lakers currently have, to 14 would pretty much solve the Lakers' problem here with Mañon and Kaluma. Everyone can slide one spot up in the pecking order if Los Angeles creates that vacancy.
Mañon could get a standard NBA contract to fill the 15th spot. It would be light on guarantees, to protect the Lakers if the relentless defensive guard does not prove as equipped to hang against better competition. It would also allow them the security of knowing someone else is not going to poach him after they put in the developmental work.
If Mañon is sliding up to the main roster, that opens up his two-way spot. That is where Kaluma re-enters the picture to claim that opening.
Finding and developing talent that other teams missed out on is an important process to building out a competent and deep roster. The Lakers could have two guys worth keeping around here. It is important to ensure no hiccups.
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