The Los Angeles Lakers signed Sandro Mamukelashvili to be their backup big man, but he should have head coach JJ Redick rethinking his role after the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. LA offered Jonathan Kuminga the starting power forward role before he signed with the Timberwolves. The Lakers gave Mamu a four-year, $52 million deal in free agency, but it was clearly to be their sixth man. With a hole at the four, Redick has to be thinking about starting the 6’9 big man.
Mamu has a versatile skill set. He helped Georgia go 2-0 in the recent World Cup qualifying window by averaging 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.0 steals in 36.5 minutes per game. Those are monster numbers in FIBA action, but more importantly, he showed the ability to catch-and-shoot and create against a shifting defense.
That could make him the perfect fit next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the Lakers’ starting five. Walker Kessler and Quentin Grimes figure to lock down the other two spots. Redick must choose between Jake LaRavia, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Jarred Vanderbilt, Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr, and Mamu for the final position. Not only is Mamu the highest-paid player, but he is the most versatile offensive weapon.
JJ Redick has to consider starting Sandro Mamukelashvili
The Lakers need floor spacers around Luka. The superstar is going to attack the paint and kick to open shooters. He is one of the best shot creators in the world. Doncic needs options on the floor to knock down open looks.
Mamu was hitting them in World Cup qualifiers and looked extremely comfortable spotting up.
New Lakers man Sandro Mamukelashvili pulling up from long range. 🎯#FIBAWC | #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/fl46rQ6Zjj
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 31, 2026
The 6’9 big man has started just 28 of his 271 career NBA games. He broke out last season playing a reserve role in Toronto. It is fair to question if he can thrive as a starter, but his shooting shouldn’t be a worry. He shot 38.9 percent on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers last season and keeps knocking them down for his national team.
The other key skills to thriving next to Luka are attacking a closeout and getting buckets in transition. Mamu did both for Georgia in their win over Montenegro. He can beat a shifting defense and has a deep bag of finishes. Iztok Franko outlined six different ways he saw Mamu score in this one game.
The Lakers built an offense-first team this summer. They figure to have one of the best in the NBA, and Mamu will play a key role in that. Starting him makes it easier to expand his minutes and use him in the matchups that maximize his production.
Sandro Mamukelashvili’s defensive questions may be overblown
The Lakers signed Mamu after a breakout season in Toronto. He averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 21.9 minutes per game. The 27-year-old is just entering his prime and keeps expanding his offensive game. It is the defense that creates questions.
Mamu isn’t big enough to play exclusively at the five, and he’s not athletic or quick enough to get all his minutes at the four. He is stuck between positions and known to have problematic defensive moments.
The Raptors got him to buy into a scheme last season. They had the fifth-best defensive rating in the NBA and were actually 2.1 points per 100 possessions better with Mamu on the floor. They were 4.6 points per 100 better overall. Even in the playoffs, the Raptors had a positive net rating with the 6’9 big man and were 3.5 points better when he played. Mamu produced a positive defensive EPM, too. It is all about finding the right scheme.
JJ Redick must maximize the Lakers’ role players
Redick should be thinking about how to maximize his roster. Starting Mamu gives Los Angeles one of the best offensive groups in the NBA and creates versatility for wherever the head coach wants to go next. The Georgian big man may be the first sub in some games or stick the entire first quarter to play next to Luka.
Mamukelashvili thrives in the second unit because he can exploit mismatches and create offense. Reserves struggle to match his versatility, which allows for some easy opportunities. Redick could start Mamu and use him in the second unit plenty. It is all about exploiting the matchups on the floor at any moment.
The Los Angeles Lakers signed Sandro Mamukelashvili with the intention of making him their sixth man, but things changed. They need a starting power forward, and Mamu’s offensive versatility should have JJ Redick considering starting him. It will be an offense versus defense call. Mamu gives the most offensive versatility, but the Lakers may need a perimeter defender depending on the matchups.
Mamu keeps getting better. The Lakers just signed him to a four-year, $52 million contract. That will look like a steal if the big man becomes a long-term starter next to Luka Doncic. His recent national team showings offer hope and should have Redick thinking with an open mind entering training camp. Mamu can thrive in a starting role. He just needs the opportunity.
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