Among the Los Angeles Lakers' quartet of additions announced on July 1 was stretch big Sandro Mamukelashvili, who signed with the Lake Show on a four-year, $52 million deal with a player option for the fourth season.
Some see "Mamu" as a Rui Hachimura replacement, and indeed, Mamu can really shoot it from 3. He shot 38.9% from downtown last season for the Toronto Raptors, averaging 18.4 points per 36 minutes and finishing 10th in NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting.
But Mamu's best NBA basketball is yet to come, which is why this was such a timely signing for the Lakers.
Sandro Mamukelashvili is entering his prime as he joins the Lakers
Mamukelashvili is 27 years old, which means he has plenty of years of peak physique remaining in his career. At the same time, Mamu has now spent five years in the NBA, with winning organizations in San Antonio and Toronto, and he's thus well positioned to level up on the Lakers.
"Throughout five years in the league, I matured enough," Mamukelashvili said on Monday. "I understand how to play this game. I think it's slowing down year after year. I'm getting more and more comfortable out there. What I got to do is just be coachable. Listen to Coach JJ."
Over the years, Mamu's basketball IQ has only grown. He's improved every season he's been in the NBA because he's understood more and more each year how spacing and decision-making work at the highest level. He's always been able to shoot. But knowing how to position himself for the best shots, and knowing when to take them ... that's taken time, and it takes almost every player who plays in the Association.
Sandro Mamukelashvili has the skills and mindset to thrive on the Lakers
Mamu will operate as a key floor-spacer for the Lakers' dynamic guards, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Collin Sexton. Speaking of Sexton, he's also 27 years old and could be entering the best years of his career.
Mamu's comments on Monday suggest that he's ready to be coachable under Redick. We know that Redick's schemes on offense allow players to thrive who buy into their role and execute. Mamu should be able to do all of the above, especially since the game is apparently slowing down for him.
Don't sleep on Mamu as a pivotal piece for this Lakers squad as they seek contention in 2026-27.
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