Kaluma has used a breakout run in Las Vegas to show the Lakers why he deserves a longer look within the organization.
Arthur Kaluma entered Summer League fighting for a chance to stay in the Lakers' system, and one huge performance may have changed his standing.
The 24-year-old forward scored 34 points in a 91-70 win over the Dallas Mavericks, shooting 11-for-16 from the field and 6-for-10 from three-point range while adding five rebounds.
Kaluma also scored 18 points on perfect 5-for-5 shooting against Oklahoma City, helping Los Angeles improve to 2-0 in Las Vegas and 4-1 across its full summer schedule.
The Lakers had won four straight entering their July 14 meeting with the 1-1 Clippers.
Through those two Vegas games, Kaluma averaged 26.0 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 76.2 percent from the field and 63.6 percent from deep.
His long profile has him as a 6-foot-7 forward, but the most important part of his summer has been how well he has used that size without needing the ball on every trip.
Why the Lakers Should Keep Him
Kaluma is playing on an Exhibit 10 contract, and the Lakers have already filled their three two-way spots with Chris Mañon, AK Okereke and Peter Suder.
That makes the path harder, but two-way deals can be changed, and Kaluma has done enough to force a real discussion.
The Lakers finished 53-29 last season, but their new roster still needs low-cost players who can defend and make open shots.
Austin Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 51 games, while Luka Dončić remains the center of the offense.
Neither player needs another teammate who demands the ball, which is why Kaluma's simple style could work.
Where Kaluma Fits on the New Roster
The Lakers' updated depth chart has several wing options, and the July 14 addition of Ziaire Williams filled the standard 15-man roster.
Still, Los Angeles has been looking for another dependable wing defender, and Kaluma could develop into that player.
His best role would be as a third-unit small forward or power forward who runs the floor, guards larger wings and stays ready for passes from Dončić or Reaves.
He could spend most of the season with South Bay while remaining available when injuries hit the main roster.
Summer League numbers must be taken carefully, but Kaluma has shown a clear NBA role, and the Lakers should find a way to keep developing him.
