Lakers have a big man they're expected to pair with Luka Dončić

[ASFN Admin]

After the Los Angeles Lakers lost LeBron James to NBA free agency on Tuesday, the franchise is expected to soon sign a free agent big man.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, folks around the league expect the Lakers will agree to terms with former Toronto Raptors big man Sandro Mamukelashvili. The big man previously played for both the San Antonio Spurs and Milwaukee Bucks after he was selected in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Mamukelashvili played a career-high 21.9 minutes per game, averaging 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 38.9 percent on 3-pointers. He declined his $2.8 million player option on Monday.

“The league believes Sandro Mamukelashvilli is headed to the Lakers. That’s what people in the league believe. And he would basically replace Rui Hachimura.”

- Brian Windhorst just now on NBA Today

— The Lakers Review (@TheLakersReview) June 30, 2026

Jake Fischer and Marc Stein also reported details about the interest in the former Seton Hall standout (via The Stein Line):

"Sources say Mamukelashvili is likely to generate multiple offers north of $10 million in average annual value after declining a paltry player option in Toronto worth less than $3 million. And we're told that the Lakers, who have obviously been connected to various big men, have emerged as a notable Mamu suitor."

The Athletic's Dan Woike also wrote about the Lakers' interest in Mamukelashvili.

According to salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan, the Raptors are less likely to retain Mamukelashvili after trading for Leonard.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Lakers have a big man they're expected to pair with Luka Dončić

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