KAMPALA — Ugandan-American basketball player Arthur Kaluma has signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a major milestone in his professional career and strengthening Uganda’s growing presence on the global basketball stage.
The Lakers announced Kaluma’s signing after the 24-year-old forward impressed during the 2026 NBA Summer League, where he emerged as one of the team’s standout performers. The club created room for him by waiving two-way guard Peter Suder.
Kaluma, who is eligible to represent both Uganda and the United States, has drawn praise from Ugandan sports fans following the announcement.
Celebrating the achievement, the U.S. Mission in Uganda congratulated Kaluma on social media, describing the signing as a sporting success for both countries.
“Congrats to 🇺🇬-🇺🇸 Arthur Kaluma on signing a two-way contract with the NBA Los Angeles Lakers! That’s a sports win for both our countries! 🏀🤝 Good luck, No. 47!”
A two-way NBA contract allows a player to split time between an NBA team and its G League affiliate while remaining eligible to play in the NBA for a limited number of games during the season.
Kaluma earned the opportunity after a strong campaign with the Lakers’ G League affiliate and an outstanding Summer League performance. During the Las Vegas Summer League, he averaged 18.6 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, shooting 61 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range, performances that convinced the Lakers to offer him an NBA deal.
The 6-foot-7 forward joined the Lakers’ Summer League roster after spending the 2025–26 season developing within the franchise’s G League programme.
Born in the United States to Ugandan parents, Kaluma starred at the collegiate level before beginning his professional career. He has become one of the most prominent basketball players of Ugandan heritage competing in the United States.
His signing is expected to inspire young basketball players in Uganda, where the sport has experienced steady growth in recent years through school competitions, professional leagues and international exposure.
For the Lakers, Kaluma’s athleticism, versatility and defensive ability add depth to the team’s forward rotation as it continues to develop young talent for the future. Analysts covering the NBA Summer League described him as one of Los Angeles’ breakout performers, citing his improved shooting, two-way play and physical attributes as key reasons behind the contract.
Kaluma is expected to wear jersey No. 47 as he begins the next chapter of his basketball career with one of the NBA’s most successful franchises.
