Overview
- The Lakers signed Mamukelashvili to a four-year deal this offseason and have effectively locked him into the primary backup big role after strong showings in training camp and preseason.
- He scored 19 points off the bench in a recent preseason win over the Sacramento Kings and has been averaging roughly 14.0 points per exhibition game while showing ball-handling and playmaking ability.
- Luka Dončić praised Mamukelashvili’s court vision and passing, and coach JJ Redick said he will run a specific “Mamu” package to exploit his shooting threat and passing skills.
- Coaching staff still have clear reservations about his defense and rebounding, and those limitations will determine whether he earns 20-plus minutes or cedes time to Walker Kessler, Kevon Looney, Jake LaRavia or Jarred Vanderbilt.
- Mamukelashvili arrives on the Lakers after a career year in Toronto when he averaged 11.2 points and shot 38.9 percent from three, and his fit will shape rotation choices and spacing for Luka and Austin Reaves this season.