Sandro Mamukelashvili Ready to Compete for Lakers’ Starting Power Forward Spot
sandro-mamukelashvili-ready-to-compete-for-lakers-starting-power-forward-spot
The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason overhaul included a four-year, $52 million agreement with forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, who arrives from the Toronto Raptors as a potential replacement for Rui Hachimura. The deal contains a player option for the fourth season.
With training camp still weeks away, the 25-year-old Georgian is already being discussed as a possible starter alongside center Walker Kessler. During his first media session in Los Angeles, Mamukelashvili said any role will work for him as long as it helps the team.
“I don’t know how it’s all gonna play out,” he said. “Throughout my five years in the league I’ve matured and the game is slowing down. My job is to be coachable, listen to Coach JJ Redick, learn the system and do the dirty work. If I’m put in that position, I’ll do whatever it takes to help the team win.”
The Lakers are still exploring trade options for a starting-caliber wing, with Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga reportedly among the targets. Should such a move materialize, Mamukelashvili could shift to a reserve role, but the forward stressed that he is prepared for any assignment.
Luka Doncic Connection
Mamukelashvili also detailed an early conversation with new teammate Luka Doncic, calling the Lakers star a longtime peer from their days rising through European youth rankings.
“He reached out and said he’s excited I’m part of the team and can’t wait to get to work,” Mamukelashvili said. “I told him I’m headed to the gym to shoot a million corner threes so I’m ready. We’re the same age, and growing up I was always chasing him in the rankings. Now being his teammate is amazing—I really think he’s going to make my life a lot easier.”
Mamukelashvili averaged 9.7 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 37.9 percent from three-point range with Toronto last season. Training camp will determine whether those numbers translate into a spot in JJ Redick’s opening lineup or a key role off the bench.
Source: LakersNation.com
