The Los Angeles Lakers will face obvious temptation to start Sandro Mamukelashvili in 2026-27. They currently lack a definitive starting 4, need shooting at the position to optimize spacing around big man Walker Kessler, and paid Mamukelashvili $52 million across four seasons to come to Los Angeles.
For as temptating as it thus is to start Mamukelashvili, the Lakers must remember that talent isn't more important than fit—and he's simply not an ideal fit for the starting lineup.
Mamukelashvili brings a lot to the table as a floor-spacing big who can rebound, finish efficiently inside, and knock down threes. Each of those skills will likely prove invaluable to the Lakers in 2026-27, as they can bring a necessary change of pace to their guard-centric offense.
The reality of what the Lakers are currently missing in the starting lineup, however, is that offensive acumen won't be enough to offset the need for defense.
Teams that struggle to defend in space become vulnerable during the playoffs and Mamukelashvili's primary weakness is exactly that. According to Basketball Index, he ranked in the 14th percentile in perimeter isolation defense and the 24th percentile in off-ball chaser defense. Moreover, he ranked in the 43rd percentile in rim protection.
With this in mind, Mamukelashvili's best role is one that allows him to focus on what he does well—and the starting lineup simply lacks the space for him to do so.
Mamu is a poor fit with the starters, but is tailor made for a bench role
What Mamukelashvili does well is as relevant as the areas in which he struggles. His defense means he's a poor fit for a starting lineup that already has two players with defensive concerns in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but his offense actually makes him a dream sixth man.
Between Mamukelashvili and backup point guard Collin Sexton, the Lakers have a chance to roll out a second unit that can actually generate offense—a welcome change from the 2025-26 side that ranked No. 29 in bench points.
Mamukelashvili finished the 2025-26 season with averages that translated to 18.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.2 offensive boards, 3.1 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 2.4 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes. He did so with efficiency, converting at a clip of .523/.389/.747.
Mamukelashvili also ranked in the 83rd percentile in catch-and-shoot three-point efficiency, which bodes well for him considering Sexton averaged 12.9 drives in 23.7 minutes per game in 2025-26.
Mamukelashvili also ranked in the 85th percentile in rim shot making efficiency and the 70th percentile in stable post-up points per possession. Each of those truths reveals his strength on offense—and acts to overshadow his defensive woes.
With a starting lineup that needs a high-level defender at the 4, however, the Lakers can't afford to prioritize offense and start Mamukelashvili. The second unit is simply the best place for him.
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