Coming into this season for the Los Angeles Lakers, three starting spots are set in stone with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the backcourt, and Walker Kessler at the center position. While not necessarily a lock, most believe Quentin Grimes will also be a starter considering what he brings as a two-way player.
That fifth spot seems to be up in the air, however, with multiple different possibilities depending on what the Lakers are looking for. But if the Lakers fans get what they want, it will be Sandro Mamukelashvili who will be starting when the Lakers open the season against the Golden State Warriors:
If the Lakers don’t make another move, who should be their fifth starter?
(Drop your top option in the comments if he is not listed here)
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) August 26, 2026
Mamukelashvili got nearly 40% of the more than 4,000 votes on the poll, winning by a pretty wide margin over the other options. Ziaire Williams narrowly edged out fellow newcomer Matisse Thybulle for the second-most votes while Jake LaRavia was a distant fourth.
It’s easy to see why fans want to see Mamukelashvili with the starters as he is easily the best offensive option of the group, capable of getting his own shot and playing off the Lakers’ primary playmakers, potentially even operating as a hub and creator on that side. However he does come with some drawbacks, particularly defensively as the Lakers would have a hard time matching up with bigger wings.
Inserting someone like Williams, Thybulle or even Adou Thiero with the starters would be better defensively, but neither offer the offensive versatility that Mamukelashvili does. At the very least, they would need to show they can consistently knock down the open 3-pointers that Doncic and Reaves will undoubtedly create for them, but their ability to be a lockdown perimeter defender could outweigh the offensive shortcomings.
Ultimately, it will be up to JJ Redick and the Lakers coaching staff to decide which lineups and rotations will work best for this team this season.
Sandro Mamukelashvili leads Georgia to victory in FIBA World Cup qualifiers
Mamukelashvili should be in peak form once training camp begins for the Lakers as the big man is currently representing his home country of Georgia at the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. Mamukelashvili finished with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists in leading Georgia to a victory over Portugal in their final qualifier of the summer.
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