The Los Angeles Lakers signed Sandro Mamukelashvili to a four-year, $52 million contract in the offseason, and fans saw exactly why in the 103-87 win over the crosstown rival Clippers. Mamu had 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block in 29 minutes off the bench. The Lakers were without Luka Doncic and three others. They needed someone to step up, and Mamu was one of many who delivered.
The purple and gold scored 125 or more points in each of the first four games. The 6’9 forward is shooting 51.3 percent from the field, while still finding his footing with the new-look Lakers. LA has nine new faces, so the team is just getting comfortable playing together. Being 4-1 with an elite offense bodes well for LA. Mamu is all but guaranteed to be a fan favorite and could rival Lamar Odom as the reserve big man who helps lift the team.
The 27-year-old can space the floor, make a few plays, and get buckets in transition as he plays with a ton of energy. Mamu helps the purple and gold every time he leaps off the bench. The Lakers have the best offensive rating in the NBA, and the versatile big man has seen action as a shooter, roll man, and hub. He even cleaned up LA’s biggest headache in the win over the Clippers.
Sandro Mamukelashvili replaces Kevon Looney at the backup 5
Head coach JJ Redick didn’t have Luka, Ziaire Williams, Adou Thiero, or Cameron Carr on the second night of a back-to-back against the Clippers. He put Quentin Grimes and Jake LaRavia in the starting five over Mamu. Fans may question that decision, but it was clearly to use the 6’9 big man at the four and the five off the bench. He played next to Walker Kessler and operated as the lone big for stretches.
Looney is minus-29 in 30 minutes to start this season. He was the backup center in the first four games, but it quickly became clear he is no longer a rotation player. Loon has the basketball IQ and championship experience. Sadly, he just doesn’t have the legs to get where he needs to go.
Redick had played Mamu as the reserve center in the second halves of games. It was time to kick Looney out of the rotation and embrace the 27-year-old backing up Kessler.
Mamukelashvili has blocked a shot in three straight games and is making an impact on both ends of the floor. He is far from an elite defender, but the big man competes. He is a better option than Looney and gives Redick more options on how to structure his rotation.
Sandro Mamukelashvili impacted the win while struggling to make shots
Mamu shot 40 percent from the field on the second night of a back-to-back and missed all five of his 3-point attempts. If the big man was strictly an offensive player, He wouldn’t have grabbed eight boards with three stocks. The Lakers outscored the Clippers by 22 points with Mamu on the floor.
The 6’9 big man is a fan favorite because of his versatile game and energy. Fans know when Mamu is in the game. If he isn’t splashing a 3-point attempt or making a play in transition, Mamu is igniting his team with a hustle play. That is what the Lakers need to compete with the best teams in the West.
The Lakers destroyed the Clippers without their best player, and Mamu deserves some credit for the win. They had five players who scored in double digits. It was a group effort, but Mamukelashvili stood out for the second night in a row. Having a versatile sixth man gives LA different looks to tap into whenever the need arises.
Lakers will need Sandro Mamukelashvili to wear multiple hats
Mamu will be a floor spacer when playing next to Luka Doncic. He has made 35.7 percent of his 14 3-point attempts to start the year after a night where he missed all five. The big man is comfortable spotting up and sinking open looks. He can also juice the offense in transition by running the floor and setting up his teammates.
The Lakers will need Mamu to be their backup five and log minutes next to Kessler. His versatility and adaptability are crucial. The Lakers are a bit light on ball-handling and playmaking. Mamu can help as a tertiary option, and LA is already using him in the role.
Mamukelashvili is a below-average rim protector, but he can make an impact at the five. He’s not afraid to contest shots. Mamu is an undersized center. He won't be Wemby on the defensive end. If he is stretching a big man onto the perimeter and holding his own against the opposition’s center, that is all the Lakers can ask for.
The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t seen the best version of Sandro Mamukelashvili yet. He is a role player, and they usually need time to settle in. Mamu is already becoming a fan favorite and making an impact on both ends of the floor. The signing already looks like a steal and will only get better if he keeps helping the Lakers win. So far, so good.
Add us as a preferred source on Google