Overview
- The Lakers signed Mamukelashvili in free agency to a reported four‑year, $52 million deal after his career season with the Toronto Raptors.
- Head coach JJ Redick has refused to typecast him and said the team will use him at power forward, on the wing, or as a small‑ball center depending on matchups.
- Mamukelashvili is being framed as an offensive 'connector' who dribbles, passes and spaces the floor after posting 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 38.9 percent three‑point shooting last season.
- Training camp has positioned him as an early favorite for one of the open forward starting spots, but his defensive ability remains the key unresolved factor determining minutes and matchups.
- His European background and Kukoc‑style play fit the Lakers’ international core and could change the team’s small‑ball options around Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler.