​The Los Angeles Lakers are adding a new contributor to their lineup this offseason, continuing their efforts to bolster the squad around star guard Luka Dončić. In a Tuesday night press release, the team announced the signing of 6-foot-9 forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, a former fan favorite with the San Antonio Spurs, to help provide offense, versatility, and depth for the roster.
Mamukelashvili, who stands 6-foot-9, spent the 2025-26 season with the Toronto Raptors, appearing in 80 games with 13 starts. He posted career-best numbers across several categories, averaging 11.2 points and 21.9 minutes per game, along with 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He shot 52.3 percent from the field and connected on 38.9 percent of his three-point attempts. Born in New York and raised in Tbilisi, Georgia, Mamukelashvili demonstrated scoring consistency throughout the season, finishing with double-figure points in 49 games, including seven performances of 20 or more points. He also logged 686 points off the bench, ranking seventh in Raptors history for bench scoring in a single season.
The Lakers’ statement highlighted Mamukelashvili’s versatility, noting his ability to handle the ball on the perimeter, run the floor effectively, and space the floor with his improving shooting stroke. Those attributes position him as a strong fit alongside Rui Hachimura in Los Angeles, where he joins a team that has been rebuilding around a core of young talent and experienced veterans. Mamukelashvili’s prior experience in San Antonio and his development as a flexible forward who can contribute in multiple ways should allow him to adapt to the Lakers’ offensive system, which continues to evolve around Dončić’s playmaking and scoring prowess.
Integrating Mamukelashvili into an offense led by Dončić will present an intriguing challenge and opportunity. Dončić is known for his offense-savvy approach and ability to orchestrate a high-powered attack, and Mamukelashvili’s skill set could complement that dynamic by providing reliable spacing, cutting, and secondary scoring. As he acclimates to life with the Lakers and to playing alongside one of the game’s premier facilitators, both Mamukelashvili and the organization will be watching closely to gauge how quickly he can contribute meaningful minutes and impact.
The addition of the 6-foot-9 forward signals the Lakers’ ongoing commitment to building a versatile roster capable of competing at a high level. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Mamukelashvili fits into head coach’s rotation and how his presence affects the team’s overall chemistry and floor spacing. If he can deliver on the potential shown during his time with the Raptors and Spurs, Mamukelashvili could become a valuable piece for the Lakers as they pursue sustained success in the contemporary NBA landscape.
For fans seeking more context on team movement and player acquisitions, The Sporting News remains a reference point for coverage and analysis, with updates and insights continuing throughout the offseason. As the league approaches new campaigns, the Lakers’ signing of Mamukelashvili adds an additional layer to the evolving narrative surrounding Dončić’s supporting cast and the franchise’s ongoing efforts to assemble a competitive, well-rounded lineup.