Lakers' New Free Agent Sandro Mamukelashvili Shows High Basketball IQ in Preseason

Sandro Mamukelashvili signed a four‑year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers as an unrestricted free agent during the 2025‑26 offseason.

The 27‑year‑old Georgian forward‑center is a veteran of 278 NBA games.

Lakers coach JJ Redick and teammates including Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic have spoken with Mamukelashvili about his role.

"He's got such a high basketball IQ that if he gets the rebound, he should basically play the 1." – Austin Reaves

In the preseason, Mamukelashvili has averaged 14.0 points, 3.7 assists, 2.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 0.7 blocks over three appearances, including one start.

He posted a 19‑point effort off the bench in the Lakers’ preseason victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.

The Lakers entered the preseason with a 2‑1 record.

Playing alongside Slovenian star Luka Doncic, Mamukelashvili said his presence adds defensive gravity for the team.

He described his reaction to signing with the Lakers as a blackout of excitement, noting he was listening to the Snoop Dogg track “Purp and Yellow.”