The Los Angeles Lakers went into this offseason with the most cap space in the league and they were quick to target players in free agency. One of those was power forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili, who is coming off a solid season with the Toronto Raptors.
He can space the floor by shooting 3-pointers and handle the ball as a decision-maker while being a fundamental passer with flashes of athleticism when finishing at the rim. In addition to his well-rounded playstyle, Mamukelashvili wears an unorthodox jersey number 54 and he explained the reasoning behind it.
“I chose 54 because I was drafted [the] 54th pick,” Mamukelashvili said on the Lakers YouTube channel. “It is something to remind me of that I’m an underdog, that I gotta beat the odds and I think there is so much I can prove in this league. Feel like people are going to be familiar with me soon and I just want to come out here and give the best that I can.”
Mamukelashvili was a fan favorite in Toronto as he provided a spark coming off the bench. Now arriving in Los Angeles, he may have a chance to be a starter as more moves are projected to take place before Opening Night.
Regardless, he will be a vital piece to the puzzle for the Lakers as he can certainly play alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. General manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick wanted to bring in more IQ to this team and Mamukelashvili adds to that goal.
L.A. wants to build a foundation around Doncic, so signing Mamukelashvili to a four-year, $52 million contract illustrates they want him to be a part of this future. Having players with chips on their shoulders creates a fun product on the court and hopefully, it translates this season for the Lakers.
Sandro Mamukelashvili ready to play on big stage for Lakers
The Lakers acquired and lost numerous players this offseason, prompting uncertainty regarding whether an entirely new team can come together to win immediately. But it also adds excitement as L.A. is turning the page to a new era, which should feature plenty of ups and downs.
This leads to every player buying in, specifically Mamukelashvili, who is ready to play on the biggest stage of his career for Los Angeles. As a bit of a Swiss army knife who can do a bit of everything offensively, Redick will certainly find ways to utilize him in his rotation.
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