The Los Angeles Lakers have made a flurry of moves this offseason as the team will look completely different around superstar guard Luka Doncic and his backcourt partner Austin Reaves. The biggest move was the acquisition of center Walker Kessler, which was a top priority for both the team and Doncic, but the Lakers also added another extremely skilled big man in Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Throughout his five seasons in the NBA, Mamukelashvili has operated primarily as a reserve, and he may still come off the bench for the Lakers. But the team also views him as great fit alongside Kessler, via Dan Woike of The Athletic:
Mamukelashvili is a gifted offensive player the Lakers think will slot nicely next to Kessler, per a team source. A Toronto Raptors source, granted anonymity because the deal isn’t official, pointed to Mamukelashvili’s floor spacing (he shot 38.9 percent last season with a quick lefty release) as a strength. He also has some positive decision-making traits that pop in his highlight reels.
Mamukelashvili certainly has the offensive skillset that fits perfectly alongside Kessler. Along with his ability to stretch the floor, he handles the ball extremely well for a player of his size and is a good decision-maker, which could allow for some great big-to-big moments between the two.
Of course, Doncic and Reaves will do much of the creation on offense, but with the attention they draw it is imperative to have a player like Mamukelashvili as an outlet who can be trusted to make a great play. And he will be put in plenty of advantageous situations where he can benefit, or find Kessler for easy baskets as well. There will be some concerns defensively as that is not Mamukelashvili’s strongsuit, but having a rim protector like Kessler behind him should help him in that regard.
The Lakers still need to add a true wing defender to really round out this roster, but the players the front office have added this summer project to be great fits. And whether he is alongside Kessler or operating as the lone big, Mamukelashvili should have a major impact for this team.
Lakers eyeing veteran backup center in free agency
The Lakers have traded away Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards, which opened up another hole the front office must feel at backup center. But the team already has some veteran options they are eyeing in Kevon Looney and Jonas Valanciunas.
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