Uganda's Arthur Kaluma joins Los Angeles Lakers
A day after Uganda-bred Khaman Malauch made history after being drafted with the 10th pick by the Houston Rockets, Uganda Silverbacks wing Kaluma was signed by the LA Lakers on an Exhibit 10 contract.
Arthur Kaluma (centre) in action during AfroBasket. File photo
By Charles Mutebi
Journalists @New Vision
Arthur Kaluma did not make the NBA draft. But he is on the way to the NBA.
A day after Uganda-bred Khaman Malauch made history after being drafted with the 10th pick by the Houston Rockets, Uganda Silverbacks wing Kaluma was signed by the LA Lakers on an Exhibit 10 contract.
Essentially, Kaluma is going to be on trial with the Lakers, starting with training camp. If he impresses JJ Redick and the rest of the Lakers coaching staff, he will likely earn a two-way contract, from which he can move on to establish himself in the NBA.
It is a long and difficult road to be certain, but some have made the most of it. Kaluma is gifted, but graft will be just as valuable to help him carve out a successful career in the NBA.
The 23-year-old Kaluma was recruited with two others, as the Lakers look to beef up their roster ahead of the 2025/2026 season.
For Kaluma, who averaged 12.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 1.8 APG during his final NCAA season, the first goal is to upgrade his contract status, something the Lakers believe he can do; otherwise, they would not have taken a shot on him.