In a landmark move for Ugandan basketball, Arthur Kaluma has officially signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming one of the few Ugandans to break into the elite ranks of the NBA.
Kaluma, 22, secured his place with the 17-time NBA champions after an impressive stint in the 2025 NBA Summer League. The 6’7 power forward made his mark by averaging 12 minutes per game and shooting an efficient 45% from the field, catching the eye of the Lakers’ coaching staff and front office.
A versatile and athletic player, Kaluma’s professional journey begins after a rich collegiate career spanning four seasons and three schools—Creighton, Kansas State, and the University of Texas. In his final year with the Texas Longhorns, he averaged 12.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, demonstrating both scoring ability and rebounding strength.
Kaluma is no stranger to high-level competition. While at Creighton, he was instrumental in their deep NCAA tournament run to the Elite Eight in 2023. He also represented Kansas State before transferring to Texas to close out his college career.
Internationally, Kaluma has proudly donned the Ugandan jersey, representing the Silverbacks at the 2021 AfroBasket and the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. His transition to the NBA marks a significant moment not only for him but also for Uganda’s growing basketball scene.
