Los Angeles Lakers Officially Sign RJ Davis, Eric Dixon, Arthur Kaluma, and Augustas Marčiulionis to Reinforce Depth for 2025 Season

The Los Angeles Lakers have made another significant stride toward strengthening their roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season by signing four key players: guard RJ Davis, forward Eric Dixon, forward Arthur Kaluma, and guard Augustas Marčiulionis. Each brings a distinct skill set and complementary experience to a team looking to build both for immediate impact and long-term stability.

This wave of signings reflects a proactive front office strategy under Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, who has focused on surrounding the team’s stars with young talent and battle-tested veterans capable of contributing on both ends of the court.

The New Additions: Background and Skill Sets

RJ Davis – The Floor General

Perhaps the most high-profile addition of the group, RJ Davis is a crafty 6-foot guard who made a name for himself at North Carolina. Over his four-year college career, Davis consistently demonstrated elite playmaking, three-level scoring, and leadership qualities.

Davis averaged 21.2 points, 3.5 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in his senior season while shooting over 40% from three. His ability to control tempo, score in clutch situations, and create opportunities for teammates makes him a valuable backup or even rotational starter behind or alongside existing Lakers guards like Austin Reaves or D’Angelo Russell.

His maturity and poise in high-pressure moments—especially in March Madness runs—mirror what the Lakers often seek in postseason contributors.

“RJ brings toughness, high IQ, and big-game experience,” said Lakers head coach JJ Redick. “He’s the kind of guy you want with the ball when the game is on the line.”

Eric Dixon – The Stretch Forward with Muscle

A veteran of Villanova basketball, Eric Dixon brings the kind of physicality and versatility the Lakers desperately need in their frontcourt rotation. At 6-foot-8 and 255 pounds, Dixon is a bruiser in the paint, but he also showcased a smooth shooting touch during his final two collegiate seasons, especially from beyond the arc.

In 2024-25, he posted averages of 16.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting 37% from three. That dual-threat capability—being able to bang down low while spacing the floor—makes him an ideal backup to Anthony Davis or a situational big in small-ball lineups.

With Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes no longer in the mix, Dixon’s signing offers immediate depth at the four and five spots.

Arthur Kaluma – The Athletic Wing with Defensive Potential

Arthur Kaluma, a 6-foot-7 forward with NBA-ready athleticism, is another strategic addition. A product of both Creighton and Kansas State, Kaluma is known for his high motor, perimeter defense, and transition play. He averaged 13.2 points and 6.0 rebounds last season and impressed scouts with his defensive versatility during pre-draft workouts.

While his offensive game remains a work in progress, Kaluma’s ability to guard multiple positions and contribute in hustle categories aligns with what the Lakers need off the bench—particularly when matching up against athletic wings across the Western Conference.

He may fill a similar role to what Jarred Vanderbilt played before injuries limited his impact in recent seasons.

Augustas Marčiulionis – The International Wild Card

Perhaps the most intriguing signing is Lithuanian guard Augustas Marčiulionis, son of basketball legend Sarunas Marčiulionis. Standing 6-foot-4, the younger Marčiulionis has shown flashes of brilliance overseas and during his time at Saint Mary’s, where he ran the offense with composure and shot over 38% from long range.

While he may begin his NBA journey in a limited role or with G-League assignments, Marčiulionis has the potential to develop into a valuable rotational guard. His strong court vision, crafty passing, and international experience make him a low-risk, high-upside acquisition.

“Augustas has a deep understanding of the game,” said Lakers scouting director Jesse Buss. “He grew up around elite basketball minds, and it shows.”

How the Signings Fit the Lakers’ 2025 Vision

After a disappointing early playoff exit in 2024 and a summer of speculation surrounding the future of LeBron James, the Lakers front office opted for a recalibrated approach: focus on adding depth, shooting, and youth while keeping the core of LeBron, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves intact.

These four additions reflect that philosophy.

• Shooting: Davis, Dixon, and Marčiulionis all shot over 37% from beyond the arc last season.

• Defense: Kaluma and Dixon are both capable of switching across positions and providing much-needed energy on that end.

• Versatility: Each player offers flexibility—whether it’s Davis playing both guard spots or Dixon operating at the four and five.

With the Western Conference growing more competitive, having a deeper bench with players who can step up during long road trips or injury-plagued stretches is essential. These signings may not make huge headlines individually, but collectively, they address some of the Lakers’ biggest weaknesses from last season.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

The signings have sparked a mix of optimism and caution among fans and analysts.

Longtime Lakers commentator Mike Trudell praised the moves on social media, saying:

“Smart, calculated pickups by LA. These are high-IQ, high-effort guys who know their roles. Chemistry and depth win games.”

Others, like ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, noted that while the Lakers avoided big-name splashes, they’ve added “substance over style”—a subtle dig at some of their previous offseasons where star-hunting took priority over team fit.

Fan forums have generally reacted positively, especially with RJ Davis’ name popping up. His North Carolina ties and scoring potential make him a fan favorite already. Kaluma’s highlight reels have also made the rounds, exciting fans who crave above-the-rim action and hustle plays.

What’s Next for the Lakers?

The Lakers may not be finished. Reports indicate the team is still exploring options to bolster their center depth and potentially add a veteran backup point guard. However, with these recent signings, they’ve locked in key rotational pieces who can compete for minutes right away.

Training camp will serve as the ultimate proving ground. If Davis, Dixon, Kaluma, and Marčiulionis can adjust quickly to NBA pace and schemes, the Lakers could be far deeper and more balanced than they were a year ago.

In a league where stars often dominate the spotlight, building a strong supporting cast is just as critical—especially for aging teams with championship aspirations. By signing RJ Davis, Eric Dixon, Arthur Kaluma, and Augustas Marčiulionis, the Lakers have made a commitment to depth, defense, and smart basketball.

Only time will tell how these additions pan out in the 2025-26 campaign, but for now, the message from Lakers management is clear: the team is retooling with purpose—and these four newcomers are central to that vision.