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The Los Angeles Lakers signed so many players during free agency that some of them have not gotten enough recognition.
Among them is a name somewhat unfamiliar to Lakers fans, whom they have not faced much since he has played for the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference.
The player is Sandro Mamukelashvili. He signed with the Lakers on a four-year, $52 million deal, joining quite quickly after free agency started.
The 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward is someone who can play small forward, power forward, and even small-ball center.
Apr 29, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) celebrates his three-point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the third quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Ideally, for the Lakers, he will take up the power forward spot. At this point, he looks to be a starter, though there are other signings to make, and Mamukelashvili may end up serving as more of a rotation player.
“They just see me as a basketball player who can go out there, play multiple positions, bring the rhythm,” Mamukelashvili told The California Post’s Khobi Price.
“They know I’m gonna play hard, I won’t take possessions off, and they understand that I really want to win. That’s where I fit.
“Having players like Luka, Austin Reaves, all those guys who are such amazing creators that’s gonna help me so much offensively, just flow in it and hopefully get a lot of open corner 3s and then just knock them down.”
Last season with the Raptors, Mamukelashvili averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, along with 0.8 steals and 0.5 rebounds.
"]https://media.zenfs.com/en/la_sports_report_articles_451/616808fc730d6548d068785b8776b87d[/IMG]
Apr 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) runs up court after makes a three point basket during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Mamukelashvili is a fan of franchise icon Kobe Bryant, sporting a Mamba Mentality tattoo. Additionally, he seems to value the Lakers highly as an institution with a rich history.
“Just the name itself – all of the legends play for the Lakers,” Mamukelashvili added.
“The organization is a very high-level organization. They’re starting a new page and it’s just unbelievable to be part of it.”
“I could only imagine this really in 2K, that I would be playing for this team. I’m so excited, so happy. The coaching staff is amazing and I can’t wait to just put the jersey on, go out there and just play my heart out every night. You gotta have a chip on your shoulder when you play for the Lakers.”
In the modern NBA, Mamukelashvili offers a perfect blend of size, solid defense, and floor spacing, shooting 38.9% from deep.
He will be a valuable rotation piece for the Lakers, who will be able to play in the postseason and help power them to another title, hopefully.
The post Lakers’ New $52 Million Addition Breaks Silence on Joining LA, Luka Doncic appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
Among them is a name somewhat unfamiliar to Lakers fans, whom they have not faced much since he has played for the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference.
The player is Sandro Mamukelashvili. He signed with the Lakers on a four-year, $52 million deal, joining quite quickly after free agency started.
The 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward is someone who can play small forward, power forward, and even small-ball center.
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Apr 29, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) celebrates his three-point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the third quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Ideally, for the Lakers, he will take up the power forward spot. At this point, he looks to be a starter, though there are other signings to make, and Mamukelashvili may end up serving as more of a rotation player.
“They just see me as a basketball player who can go out there, play multiple positions, bring the rhythm,” Mamukelashvili told The California Post’s Khobi Price.
“They know I’m gonna play hard, I won’t take possessions off, and they understand that I really want to win. That’s where I fit.
“Having players like Luka, Austin Reaves, all those guys who are such amazing creators that’s gonna help me so much offensively, just flow in it and hopefully get a lot of open corner 3s and then just knock them down.”
Last season with the Raptors, Mamukelashvili averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, along with 0.8 steals and 0.5 rebounds.
Why Sandro Mamukelashvili chose the Lakers
[IMG alt="Apr 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) runs up court after makes a three point basket during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images"]https://media.zenfs.com/en/la_sports_report_articles_451/616808fc730d6548d068785b8776b87d[/IMG]
Apr 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) runs up court after makes a three point basket during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Mamukelashvili is a fan of franchise icon Kobe Bryant, sporting a Mamba Mentality tattoo. Additionally, he seems to value the Lakers highly as an institution with a rich history.
“Just the name itself – all of the legends play for the Lakers,” Mamukelashvili added.
“The organization is a very high-level organization. They’re starting a new page and it’s just unbelievable to be part of it.”
“I could only imagine this really in 2K, that I would be playing for this team. I’m so excited, so happy. The coaching staff is amazing and I can’t wait to just put the jersey on, go out there and just play my heart out every night. You gotta have a chip on your shoulder when you play for the Lakers.”
In the modern NBA, Mamukelashvili offers a perfect blend of size, solid defense, and floor spacing, shooting 38.9% from deep.
He will be a valuable rotation piece for the Lakers, who will be able to play in the postseason and help power them to another title, hopefully.
The post Lakers’ New $52 Million Addition Breaks Silence on Joining LA, Luka Doncic appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
