Alright, you gotta pay attention to this: Chris Mañon and Arthur Kaluma, those two-way guys, just showed out at Summer League in a way nobody really expected. They weren’t just part of a surprisingly fun Lakers squad, they were *standouts*, bringing unique skill sets that honestly, we don’t see anywhere else on this roster. And that’s big. Really big.
Coach Redick’s Track Record Speaks Volumes
Here’s the deal: Coach JJ Redick has always been down to give two-way players a real shot, and that’s exactly what Mañon and Kaluma need. We’ve seen this movie before, right? Last season, Nick Smith Jr. stepped up early on, helped snag a win, and by the end of the year, he was on a standard contract. Drew Timme even got a decent run in the rotation mid-season. And don’t forget Redick’s first year when Trey Jemison and Christian Koloko got tons of minutes, especially after that Luka Dončić trade. That’s a solid foundation, man. It tells you there’s a legitimate path for these guys if they can ball out, and Mañon and Kaluma? They’ve definitely got the tools.
Mañon’s Defense Is Undeniable, Offense Needs to Click
Let’s talk Chris Mañon first. Defensively? The kid has been league-ready since last season. Seriously, his perimeter defense could make him the best on the team, and that’s not a small thing. The big question, though, has always been his offense. But get this: at Summer League, we saw some really promising flashes. If Mañon can consistently hit threes at a league-average rate, or carve out a role off the ball as a cutter and weakside playmaker, or even just get downhill and finish at the rim with authority, then things get *very* interesting. If he can just survive offensively, with his defense, a standard contract is right there for the taking. This isn’t just wishful thinking, it’s a genuine pathway.
Kaluma Steps Into a Massive Opportunity
Now, Arthur Kaluma’s situation is even more direct, if you ask me. There is a gaping hole at the forward spot. I mean, we need front-court bodies, plain and simple. We’re talking about the starting lineup and the rotation overall, so multiple players are going to get chances there, and Kaluma is absolutely one of them. What’s he bring to the table? He’s a big guy who can stretch the floor, and he’s got that physicality you love to see. The real test is coming up in preseason and training camp. He’s gotta prove that Summer League wasn’t just a flash in the pan. If he does, then yeah, he’s got a real chance to see some regular season minutes. The need is there, and he fits the bill.
So what’s next? Everything’s riding on these guys showing up in camp. Keep your eyes peeled as preseason games roll around. Mañon and Kaluma could be way more than just two-way players this season; they could be difference-makers. Let’s see them take it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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