The Los Angeles Lakers have completed a four-year, $52 million agreement with free-agent big man Sandro Mamukelashvili, structuring the contract to preserve salary-cap room for the summer of 2027.
According to figures confirmed on July 8, 2026, the deal opens at $13 million for the 2026-27 season, dips to $12.35 million in 2027-28, rises back to $13 million in 2028-29, and concludes with a $13.65 million player option in 2029-30.
The uncommon year-two reduction positions Los Angeles to remain below the NBA’s first tax apron next offseason, keeping the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception—projected at roughly $16 million—within reach. That flexibility could allow the club to pursue one or two significant free agents without sacrificing additional assets.
The 6-foot-11 forward/center arrives as a replacement for former Laker Rui Hachimura. While Mamukelashvili’s perimeter shooting lags behind Hachimura’s, team evaluators regard the newcomer as a superior rebounder, cutter, defender, and overall athlete.
Mamukelashvili’s signing was finalized minutes after Los Angeles acquired center Walker Kessler in a separate trade, signaling a frontcourt overhaul ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Roster work still ahead
Despite the forward-looking contract design, Lakers officials consider the final roster spot—or additional openings created via trade—critical for the upcoming season. The team continues to seek a starting-caliber forward, along with possible reinforcements at backup center and wing.
Los Angeles rarely employs descending contracts, but available cap space made the approach possible this year. By locking in Mamukelashvili under these terms, the front office believes it can compete immediately while retaining spending power for next summer’s market.
Source: LakersNation.com
