The Los Angeles Lakers grew to know the rollercoaster ride of watching Rui Hachimura play, and it will be similar watching Sandro Mamukelashvili. Fans would be frustrated by Rui’s lack of rebounding and struggles attacking with the ball in his hands, but would be ecstatic whenever he sank a wide-open look. Hachimura made some big shots and seemingly never missed in the playoffs, but still left fans frustrated at times. The same will happen with Mamu.
The Lakers virtually swapped the two players. They chose Mamu over bringing back Rui. Hachimura wanted to stay in Los Angeles and signed a two-year contract with the Clippers to do so. The purple and gold wanted Sandro’s better ball-handling, playmaking, and fast-break starting, but there will be moments where fans are ecstatic, and others that cause frustration.
Mamu struggles to rebound and can make similarly head-scratching defensive plays just like Hachimura. Lakers fans will quickly see why Mamukelashvili has primarily been a backup and has struggled to get consistent minutes. He keeps improving, but has some serious warts that will make this a rollercoaster of emotions for fans.
Lakers fans will ride the same emotional rollercoaster with Sandro Mamukelashvili
Los Angeles has a major decision to make before Mamu’s first game with the franchise. They need a starting power forward. Sandro is a combo big man who is best in a backup role. The Lakers paid him like a starter and have to decide how to maximize his production.
Either way, there will be frustrating moments. From defensive lapses to watching him get targeted on the perimeter, fans will be screaming at Mamu. He averaged just over eight rebounds per 36 minutes last season, and Raptors reporter Es Baraheni did a fantastic job going in-depth on the big man’s game.
It was time to move on from Rui. He didn’t want to strictly be a catch-and-shoot player, but Hachimura struggled to find teammates. The 6’8 forward could only attack a closeout into a mid-range jumper. Los Angeles wanted more versatility and a bit more offensive punch as they completely remade their roster around Luka Doncic this summer.
Mamu will electrify fans with his fastbreak ability, shooting, playmaking, and even a few dunks. He could become a versatile and fantastic fit playing off Luka offensively, but there will be defensive issues whenever these two share the floor.
The emotional rollercoaster role players create for fans is a crucial part of the experience. Getting upset with struggles makes the highs even greater. There is no better moment than a game-sealing buzzer-beater. Fans saw Rui hit one last season against the Raptors. Those moments make fans forget all the bad times. That is the biggest drop on the rollercoaster. Sometimes, it is just sinking a clutch shot to provide a smaller thriller or missing a rotation creating a momentary headache.
Mamukelashvili and Hachimura are not identical players. Mamu has a more versatile offensive game and is a worse defender. The Lakers wanted the offensive upgrade, even if it meant getting slightly worse shooting and defense. Both players force fans to ride an emotional rollercoaster, so not much is changing for purple and gold supporters. Mamu will have highs and lows just like Rui did.
The Los Angeles Lakers retooled their roster around Luka Doncic this offseason. They chose Sandro Mamukelashvili to replace Rui Hachimura. It was an upgrade, but fans will be stuck experiencing the highs and lows of his play. Expect some exhilarating moments and others that make fans want to tear their hair out.
That is what happens with role players in the modern NBA. They are crucial, and there will always be mistakes. All fans can do is get used to it.
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