The stronger pull of the Los Angeles Lakers over smaller-market teams was evident once again as undrafted Lithuanian point guard Augustas Marciulionis chose the Lakers over the Milwaukee Bucks.
“The attention was similar from both teams,” Marciulionis told BasketNews. “But in Los Angeles, there were more people my agent and I knew and trusted. We understood the situation better there. For some reason, LA just felt like the right choice. Still, it wasn’t easy because I don’t know that much about the NBA environment yet. But we thought this was the best place for me.”
The two-time West Coast Conference Player of the Year suffered a broken foot ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, which caused his stock to fall. Now, he is finishing rehab in Lithuania and preparing to enter training camp with the Lakers on a non-guaranteed deal.
“It was very strange,” Marciulionis said with a laugh, speaking to BasketNews. “That whole period of uncertainty—when I didn’t know how things would turn out—was tough. And then the Lakers option came along. But there’s still a lot to prove and a lot of work to earn a full contract. They showed me a lot of attention both in interviews and when it came to signing. I’m glad I’m in a good environment that believes in me—that’s the most important thing.”
Uphill Battle
Marciulionis faces a steep climb to earn a roster spot in a backcourt already stacked with Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, and rapidly progressing Bronny James.
Still, the 6-foot-4 guard is confident.
“I think all the chances are in my hands,” he said. “I just need to stay healthy and play well. Of course, I believe I can do it. I hope everything will be fine.”
Marciulionis, the son of former NBA star Sarunas Marciulionis, who spent seven seasons in the league, including a stint with the Golden State Warriors, averaged 14.2 points and 5.9 assists for Saint Mary’s last season.
Other Lakers’ Training Camp Invitees
Marciulionis is one of four undrafted players signed to training camp deals by the Lakers.
Getty RJ Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Coleman Hawkins of the Golden State Warrior during the second half in the California Classic summer league game.
Former North Carolina standout RJ Davis is the most decorated of the group. The 6-foot guard was the 2024 ACC Player of the Year and winner of the Jerry West Award, leaving UNC as the school’s second all-time leading scorer. Davis averaged 17.2 points and a career-best 3.6 assists in his final collegiate season, but he struggled in the 2025 NBA Summer League, shooting just 23.8% from three across seven games while averaging 8.0 points and 2.5 assists.
Also in camp is Eric Dixon, a Villanova guard who led Division I in scoring with 23.3 points per game and earned three All-Big East selections. The 6-foot-8 forward-center missed Summer League action due to a foot injury but remains in line for a two-way contract.
Completing the group is 6-foot-7 wing Arthur Kaluma, who played for Creighton, Kansas State, and Texas in college. Kaluma averaged 12.2 points and 7.5 rebounds in his final season at Texas and posted 4.5 points and 2.0 rebounds during Summer League action.
With a mix of international talent, decorated college stars, and athletic wings, the Lakers’ training camp class is aimed at bolstering depth behind a crowded but championship-contending backcourt. For Marciulionis, it represents an opportunity to follow in his father’s footsteps and prove he belongs in the NBA.
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