Lakers Sign Caruma to a Two-Way Contract! Averaged 18.6 Points in Summer League, Named Best Undrafted Player by US Media

On July 21, Beijing time, the Los Angeles Lakers will sign a two-way NBA contract with forward Caruma. Caruma played for the Lakers' G League affiliate during the 2025-26 season. In the Las Vegas Summer League, he averaged nearly 19 points per game, shooting 61% from the field and 50% from three-point range.

Earlier, when ESPN selected the Summer League awards, they named Caruma the Best Undrafted Player of the Summer League and commented as follows:

Caruma's top-level Summer League performance came at the perfect time: with several Lakers forwards leaving the team (James, Hachimura), the roster urgently needs tall, physical, and two-way frontcourt players to strengthen the squad.

The 24-year-old forward played for the Lakers' G League affiliate last season. Standing at 2.01 meters with a strong build, he was already well-known as a quality perimeter defender. After going undrafted in the 2025 draft, he played four years of college basketball. This summer, he brought a huge surprise on the offensive end to the Lakers, who advanced to the Summer League semifinals.

In five games, he averaged 18.6 points, taking over five three-point attempts per game with a 50% three-point percentage. His 34-point performance against the Mavericks became a signature game. His explosive scoring did not diminish his defensive intensity; in the blowout win over the Bulls, he relentlessly guarded Wilson, bringing maximum physicality.