The Los Angeles Lakers announced the signing of Sandro Mamukelashvili on Tuesday night, which was one day after new deals could be made official. The team did not disclose terms of the agreement, but Mamukelashvili’s Lakers contract reportedly is for $52 million over four years.
Mamukelashvili and the Lakers came to terms on the multi-year contract on July 1. It was part of a busy morning that also saw the team reach an agreement with the Utah Jazz on a sign-and-trade for Walker Kessler, and come to terms with Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton.
Prior to the signing being made official, the Georgian big man posted on social media to express his excitement over joining the Lakers.
Mamukelashvili is now part of a new-look Lakers frontcourt that’s seen the trade of Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes sign with the Jazz, and LeBron James choose to move on. There could be more turnover as Rui Hachimura might not be high on the Lakers’ board.
However that unfolds, Mamukelashvili gives the Lakers a floor-stretching big man who can also operate in the paint. Mamukelashvili is coming off a career year with the Toronto Raptors in which he averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 52.3% from the field and 38.9% behind the arc.
That all came despite Mamukelashvili averaging just 21.9 minutes per game with Toronto. The 27-year-old has primarily come off the bench throughout his five-year career, but at present it would appear Mamukelashvili projects to be a starter with the Lakers.
The team is said to believe his shooting and underrated playmaking ability will pair well alongside Kessler. If not a starting or backup power forward, Mamukelashvili could operate as a small-ball center for the Lakers.
Prior to playing for the Raptors, Mamukelashvili spent parts of three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. He was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in the second round in 2021 but was immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. Mamukelashvili signed a two-way contract with the Bucks in August 2023 and remained with the team until getting waived in March 2023.
In 271 career regular season games (28 starts) over his five seasons, the 27-year-old has averaged 7.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 14.6 minutes while shooting 49.4% from the field and 36.6% from 3-point range. Mamukelashvili has also appeared in seven career playoff games.
Sandro Mamukelashvili’s Lakers jersey
Mamukelashvili plans to wear No. 54 with the Lakers.
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