As the Los Angeles Lakers completely overhauled their roster this offseason, one of the players they are counting on to do big things is Sandro Mamukelashvili.
The former Toronto Raptors big man signed a four-year, $52 million contract with the Lakers in free agency to be their backup center and perhaps even play some minutes at power forward. Mamukelashvili was in Las Vegas this weekend rooting on the Lakers’ Summer League squad and explained why he chose to sign with the team, via Khobi Price of the California Post:
“Just the name itself – all of the legends play for the Lakers,” Mamukelashvili told the Post of why he signed with the Lakers. “The organization is a very high-level organization. They’re starting a new page and it’s just unbelievable to be part of it.”
Mamukelashvili grew up idolizing Kobe Bryant and is still in awe that he is now wearing purple and gold himself after the team clearly prioritized him in free agency:
“I could only imagine this really in 2K, that I would be playing for this team,” Mamukelashvili said. “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.”
Being a member of the Lakers has always been something for players to be proud of, so it is nice to see the team targeting players like Mamukelshvili who share that mindset.
With LeBron James expected to depart, as well as a lot of other key players from last year’s team, the Lakers are beginning a new era led by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. They are still putting the finishing touches on their roster with hopes of competing for championships for years to come, and the vision is for Mamukelshvili to play a big role in that with his versatility either starting or coming off the bench.
Lakers believe Sandro Mamukelshvili is good fit with Walker Kessler
While Mamukelshvili’s exact role with the Lakers is currently unclear, he projects to be their backup center behind Walker Kessler. According to recent reports though, the Lakers like how Mamukelshvili and Kessler fit on the court together with the former being able to play on the perimeter. Because of that, it’s possible that JJ Redick tests out some two-big lineups with both Mamukelshvili and Kessler on the floor at the same time.
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