Just hours after Khaman Maluach was picked 10th in the 2025 NBA Draft, Uganda’s basketball story added another milestone, Arthur Kaluma is joining the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 6’7” forward signed an Exhibit 10 contract as an undrafted free agent, giving him a shot to earn a spot in training camp. If he impresses, the deal could be converted into a two-way contract or a G League role with a bonus of up to $85,000.
Kaluma’s path to the NBA has been steady. Over four college seasons, two at Creighton, one at Kansas State, and one at Texas, he played 134 games, starting 131. He averaged 12.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across his career. His senior year at Texas was his strongest, posting 12.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and shooting 35.9% from three.
From Glendale, Arizona, Kaluma is Ugandan by heritage and has long been seen as one of the country’s top prospects. A four-star recruit out of Dream City Christian, he was ranked among the top 50 high school players in the U.S. in 2021, alongside names like Shaedon Sharpe and TyTy Washington.
Scouts see him as a tough, versatile player with upside. NBA analyst James Fletcher called him a “fringe NBA talent” with enough skill and edge to fight for a role.
Now part of a Lakers summer roster full of fresh talent, Kaluma joins a franchise led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic, hoping to carve out his own NBA path.
For Uganda, Kaluma who features for the Uganda Silverbacks’ signing signals another breakthrough. If all goes well, the country could soon have two players in the NBA.
