The Los Angeles Lakers need to play Sandro Mamukelashvili over Kevon Looney, despite head coach JJ Redick starting Loon in two of the first three preseason games. Walker Kessler hasn't played in the preseason yet, but he will be the starting center when he returns from a finger injury. The backup center spot is wide open, and Mamu keeps proving why he should get the minutes over Looney.
Mamukelashvili had 19 points, three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in 21 minutes in Thursday’s preseason win over the Sacramento Kings. Looney had just four points, five rebounds, and one block, despite earning the start. Beyond the counting stats, Mamu’s versatility and ability to create advantages should earn him the backup center minutes.
The Lakers remade their roster around Luka Doncic this summer. They wanted to get younger, while improving their athletic ability and versatility. It is why LA gave Mamu a four-year, $52 million contract. The 6’9 big man is proving he isn’t resting on his payday, and the Lakers will need his skill in the second unit.
Sandro Mamukelashvili provides needed offense in the second unit
The Lakers were shorthanded in all three preseason games. Kessler and Collin Sexton have yet to play. Austin Reaves suited up for the first time on Thursday night. Los Angeles has had multiple players out in every game. In their first home game against the Kings, head coach JJ Redick used Doncic and Reaves together, which left a shot-creation need in the second unit.
Mamu filled it. He can push in transition, create from the top of the key, and even drive-and-kick. Fans even saw a stepback 3-pointer from the big man against the Kings.
Mamukelashvili is comfortable as a roll man and doing the big man duties too. He will create offense and help the Lakers get buckets. He had five dimes in the preseason opener and has scored over 15 points in the last two. Coach Redick will stagger his stars during the regular season, but they will weaponize Mamu to be an elite offense no matter who is on the floor.
Kevon Looney continues to decline
Loon won three championships with the Golden State Warriors and has been an impactful NBA big man for a decade, but the decline is real. His foot speed and lateral quickness are a problem at this stage. Looney has a high basketball IQ, but he struggles to protect the rim and has almost no bounce.
Redick has started Loon in two of the three games. The Lakers clearly believe in him, but that faith is quickly being proven misguided.
LA has struggled to rebound and protect the rim without Kessler. Loon is a bigger body, but he isn’t making an impact in the paint. That should only make Redick’s decision easier on who plays as the backup five.
Lakers fans will quickly fall in love with Sandro Mamukelashvili
Mamu ignited the home crowd a couple of times in Thursday’s win over the Kings. Mike Breen was surprised by the big man’s stepback triple. Sandro will be a fan favorite because of his versatile skill set.
Rui Hachimura was an elite shooter, but he struggled to do other things. Mamu can knock down catch-and-shoot attempts and attack off the dribble. He will be a pick-and-pop threat and finish inside. The 27-year-old shot 38.9 percent from 3-point range last season for the Toronto Raptors and made 52.3 percent of his field goals. The Lakers are giving Mamu the confidence to do even more.
Los Angeles wants to be a title contender. Kevon Looney provides valuable experience, but he is no longer a nightly rotation piece on a serious threat. He should settle in as the third big man, who gets dusted off in specific matchups. The Lakers should empower Mamu as a sixth man. Let him make plays and add juice to an already dynamic offense.
Mamu is only 6’9, so fans were wondering if he was going to play the four or the five after landing a long-term contract. The Lakers should give him opportunities to do both, but he is clearly the backup center over Loon. Coach Redick likes to go small. They can and should do that with Mamu at the five. The big man will space the floor and boost the offense.
The Los Angeles Lakers are quickly sorting out their rotation. It appears Ziaire Williams and Quentin Grimes are in the lead to win starting roles. Sandro Mamukelashvili should be the backup center. The Lakers are flying under the radar, but they are already showing impressive flashes. Mamu will give them a new dynamic and will be a fan favorite.
Coach Redick must trust him as the backup center. It is a leap of faith to go with an undersized option, but Mamu is the answer.
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