The Los Angeles Lakers have made a strategic move to bolster their backcourt depth just before the start of training camp, signing guard Jarron Cumberland, a former Portland Trail Blazer who once faced off against them. According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, the Lakers announced the signing via X, stating, “Lakers say have signed guard Jarron Cumberland. In a related move, the team has waived forward Arthur Kaluma. Kaluma will not be in camp with the team after playing for them this summer.”
This move signals the Lakers’ intent to fine-tune their roster as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Cumberland, a 28-year-old guard, brings a wealth of experience from his time in the G League and a brief stint in the NBA. The signing comes at the expense of forward Arthur Kaluma, who was waived to make room for Cumberland. Kaluma, an undrafted free agent signed to an Exhibit 10 contract after the 2025 NBA Draft, had been part of the Lakers’ Summer League roster but will not join the team for training camp.
Cumberland’s Journey: From Cincinnati to the NBA
Jarron Cumberland, a former standout at the University of Cincinnati, has been grinding his way through the professional ranks since going undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft. During his four-year collegiate career from 2016 to 2020, Cumberland played 133 games, averaging 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 41.4% from the field and 35.2% from three-point range. His versatility and scoring ability made him a notable prospect, though he initially struggled to secure a consistent NBA role.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/DanWoikeSports/status/1971381126750208357
Cumberland’s last NBA appearance came in 2021 with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played three games, averaging 0.7 points, 0.3 assists, and 1.0 rebounds in limited minutes. Despite the brief stint, his efficiency—shooting 50% from the field—hinted at his potential. Since then, Cumberland has thrived in the G League, most recently with the Delaware Blue Coats, the Philadelphia 76ers’ affiliate. In 38 games last season, he averaged an impressive 15.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, while shooting 42.6% from beyond the arc. His ability to score efficiently and facilitate makes him an intriguing addition to the Lakers’ backcourt.
A Strategic Fit for the Lakers
The Lakers’ decision to sign Cumberland reflects their ongoing efforts to address depth in the backcourt, a critical area as they aim to compete in the highly competitive Western Conference. With training camp set to begin on Tuesday, Cumberland will have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot, though the details of his contract remain undisclosed. His playmaking ability, combined with his three-point shooting, could provide valuable support behind the Lakers’ primary guards.
Cumberland’s experience against the Lakers during his time with the Trail Blazers adds an ironic twist to his signing. Once a “destroyer” on the opposing side, he now has the chance to contribute to the Lakers’ championship aspirations. His G League performance suggests he could be a diamond in the rough, offering the versatility and grit that head coach JJ Redick may value in the team’s rotation.
The Cost of the Move: Arthur Kaluma’s Departure
To accommodate Cumberland, the Lakers made the difficult decision to waive Arthur Kaluma. The forward, who went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, had signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Lakers and later earned a one-year, non-guaranteed minimum deal after participating in the 2025 Summer League. While Kaluma showed promise, the Lakers prioritized backcourt depth, leaving the young forward to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The Lakers are gearing up for their first preseason game on October 3 against their division rivals, the Phoenix Suns. This matchup will offer an early glimpse into how Cumberland and the rest of the roster gel as they prepare for the regular season. With training camp on the horizon, all eyes will be on Cumberland to see if he can translate his G League success into a meaningful role with the Lakers.
In a league where depth can make or break a season, the Lakers’ acquisition of Jarron Cumberland could prove to be a shrewd move. As the team continues to piece together its roster puzzle, the former Blazer might just be the final piece they need to complete their backcourt picture.