One of the primary acquisitions for the Los Angeles Lakers this summer was former Toronto Raptors stretch big Sandro Mamukelashvili. L.A. signed the Georgian forward to a four-year deal worth $52 million with a player option on the fourth season, a big show of belief in what is essentially a replacement for Rui Hachimura.
As things currently stand, Mamukelashvili could be the starting power forward for the Lakers next to Walker Kessler. That is slightly out of position for him, but he is certainly the best option unless the team acquires a player like Jonathan Kuminga. Mamukelashvili spoke about the potential of being a starter and what his focus is beyond that.
“I don’t know how it’s all gonna play out, but I just think throughout my five years in the league, I’ve matured enough and understand how to play this game,” Mamukelashvili said in his first media availability. “I think it’s slowing down year after year and I’m getting more and more comfortable out there. So what I gotta do is just be coachable, listen to Coach JJ (Redick), understand my spotts, understand how they want to play, which we haven’t really gone through yet.
“We’re still kind of in the process. Just play the game, play hard, do the simple things, do the dirty work and just play. There is not much you can say, all you know is if you are put in that position, you’re gonna do whatever it takes to help the team win the game and you’re gonna do your job the best way possible… Whenever we start learning everything, it’s probably gonna be easier to tell you.”
The Lakers still seem to be in the process of trying to acquire a starting caliber wing, which means it’s not highly likely that Mamukelashvili will start when the season begins. A player like Kuminga would start if he were to be acquired.
However, Mamukelashvili seems ready to put his hat in the ring, or play whatever role the team asks of him, which is exactly what teams like the Lakers look for in a role player.
Sandro Mamukelashvili believes Luka Doncic will make his life easier
Mamukelashvili spoke about teaming up with one of the best players in the world in Luka Doncic.
“He reached out,” Mamukelashvili said of the Lakers superstar. “He said he’s very excited that I’m part of the team and he can’t wait to get to work. I said ‘I’m going to the gym and I’m gonna shoot a million 3s right now, corner 3s, to make sure I’m ready.’ That was literally the conversation and hopefully I can see him more and get to know him more.”
The two will have plenty of time to build up that chemistry, but they aren’t completely unfamiliar with each other either. Mamukelashvili actually grew up in Europe at the same time as Doncic and was always chasing him in the rankings. Now, he’s looking forward to Doncic making his life easier on the Lakers.
“You know Luka and me, we were born in the same year,” Mamukelashvili added. “So being in Europe I used to always hear a lot about Luka and I grew up seeing how good he was and how big he was at the early age so it’s cool to just be his teammate now. I remember there were rankings in Europe and he was always number one, so I was just trying to get there, get there. So now just being his teammate it’s amazing and I really do think he’s gonna make my life a lot easier.”
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