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Lakers just rewarded summer league standout with new contract

Arthur Kaluma earned his new deal.
Los Angeles Lakers, Arthur Kaluma
Los Angeles Lakers, Arthur Kaluma | (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to sign Arthur Kaluma on a two-way contract after his incredible summer league. The 6’7 forward averaged 17.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists over seven summer league games split between the California Class and Las Vegas. He played for the South Bay Lakers last season and showed plenty of flashes. Fans quickly fell in love during summer league and were happy to see the 24-year-old get rewarded with a new contract.

Players on two-way contracts are limited to 50 games with the NBA team and are ineligible for the playoffs. The Lakers will have to upgrade his deal if Kaluma cracks the nightly rotation.

He showcased a versatile offensive game in Vegas. Kaluma has spacing the floor, driving to the rim, and finishing well inside. He looked difficult to stop. The 6’7 wing has prototypical size and immense strength. He has the potential to grow into a rotation piece, and no Lakers fan is surprised about his new deal.

Lakers reward Arthur Kaluma with two-way contract

Kaluma had a breakout game against the Mavericks summer league squad where he dropped 34 points, had five rebounds, and made six 3-pointers. It was an impressive performance that caught the attention of multiple teams.

The Lakers knew they had to give him a two-way contract to keep him. Kaluma outplayed Peter Suder and AK Okereke in summer league, so nobody can be surprised that he got the spot.

Los Angeles played well in Las Vegas. They reached the semifinals before losing to the Warriors. Rookie Cameron Carr looked like the steal of the draft, and Adou Thiero had his improvements on full display. This was a fun squad to watch and the rare summer league team that played defense.

Kaluma is a 3-and-D wing by his own admission. He averaged 14.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.9 steals in 26.4 minutes per game in the G League last season. Kaluma shot 54.5 percent from the field and 36.4 percent on his 3-pointer. It was much of the same in summer league.

Kaluma is clearly ready for a step up in competition, and don’t be surprised to see him get some opportunities in Los Angeles this season.

The Lakers need 3-and-D wings around Luka Doncic. Stout perimeter defenders and spot-up shooters thrive playing off the superstar. He puts his teammates in positions to succeed and rewards them with easy looks.

Kaluma has a shot to prove he’s ready for a standard contract. The Lakers already have 16 players on guaranteed deals, but they want to compete for a championship. They will cut or trade someone if Kaluma gives them the best chance to win.

The Los Angeles Lakers wisely locked Arthur Kaluma into a two-way contract after his standout summer league stint. Other teams would have been calling. 6’7 wings are in high demand, and the Lakers were lucky to get a stout defender and scorer on a bargain contract. Fans know if things go south, LA will just move. If things break right, Kaluma could be a key role player on a title team.

Los Angeles is in position to maximize his talents. The Lakers have to find minutes in the NBA or G League so Kaluma can keep improving his craft. Fans are happy he got a two-way contract. This is just the start of his NBA journey, and the best is still yet to come. Stay tuned.

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