Home run signings are always prioritized in the NBA, but completing deals for hidden gems could be just as beneficial.
Last Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers signed a talented 6-foot-7 forward who may soon cause franchises to regret passing on him in the draft.
“The Los Angeles Lakers have signed guard RJ Davis, forward Eric Dixon, forward Arthur Kaluma, and guard Augustas Marčiulionis,” the storied Western Conference organization said.
“Kaluma begins his professional career following four collegiate seasons at the University of Texas (2024-25), Kansas State University (2023-24) and Creighton University (2021-23). In his lone season with the Longhorns, Kaluma appeared in 33 games (32 starts) and averaged 12.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 29.3 minutes.”
“Over 134 career collegiate games (131 starts), the Arizona native averaged 12.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 30.0 minutes. The 23-year-old recently competed for the Lakers’ 2025 Summer League team, appearing in both the California Classic and NBA 2K26 Summer League.”
“Kaluma averaged 4.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in 12.3 minutes across four appearances between San Francisco and Las Vegas.”
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Who wouldn’t want an athletic wing capable of taking opponents out of their comfort zone on the defensive end?
Granted, Kaluma is still a work in progress from beyond the arc (32.1% from the field), but he improved his three-point efficiency each year at the collegiate level.
There are glaring similarities between Kaluma and the Lakers’ second-round draft pick Adou Thiero. Both forwards thrive when utilizing convincing jab steps to shift their defenders’ footwork before challenging shot blockers at the rim.
The two rookies are also active defensively, ensuring their bodies move as the ball is being rotated around the perimeter and keeping ball handlers out of the paint as often as possible.
Unlike Thiero, Kaluma wasn’t viewed as an asset worth drafting, but the 23-year-old has the tools to put the league on notice this upcoming season.
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