The Lakers didn’t waste any time on day two of free agency. They agreed to terms with Sandro Mamukelashvili, and the big man’s reaction was about as genuine as it gets.
Mamukelashvili posted purple and gold hearts on social media with a short caption: “Excited to be part of the Lakers family.” That’s it. No flashy graphics, no cryptic hints. Just a guy who seems genuinely happy about where he’s headed.
The deal and what it means
The contract is reportedly four years and around $52 million, with a player option on the final year. Nothing is official until July 6, but the framework is there. For a guy picked 54th overall in 2021, that’s a hell of a climb.
Mamukelashvili is coming off his best season — with the Toronto Raptors he played a career-high 80 games and started 13 of them. He averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 52.3 percent from the floor and 38.9 percent from three. Those numbers got him Sixth Man of the Year votes. Not bad for a player who started his career in Milwaukee and also spent time in San Antonio.
He’s listed as a forward, and right now he projects as a starter for LA next season. That could change if the Lakers make another move, but the front office seems to like his versatility. He can stretch the floor, rebound and play multiple spots up front.
More than just basketball
Mamukelashvili is a New York native by birth, but his roots run deep in Georgia — the country, not the state. He’s represented Georgia in FIBA competition and has spoken before about how much that connection means to him. So while he’s spent most of his life in the U.S., there’s a layer of pride that travels with him.
The Lakers have made other moves too. They re-signed Austin Reaves, brought in Walker Kessler through a sign-and-trade with Utah, and agreed to deals with guards Colin Sexton and Quentin Grimes. They also drafted Cameron Carr. But Mamukelashvili might be the most interesting fit — a player who can start, come off the bench and genuinely seems happy to be in L.A.
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