Lakers’ $52 Million Newcomer Makes Another Statement Before Training Camp: informative update.

Sandro Mamukelashvili, the Lakers’ latest frontcourt addition, is already showcasing the value he can bring to Los Angeles through a strong run on the international stage. In an international matchup for Georgia, the 27-year-old posted 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals in a 101-90 win over Israel on Sunday. He followed that with another well-rounded performance on Friday, tallying 17 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals as Georgia defeated Montenegro 101-74. Mamukelashvili shot 6-of-12 from the field, hit two threes, and grabbed three offensive boards.

Georgia’s offense was powered by Tornike Shengelia and Goga Bitadze, who both reached 24 and 23 points, respectively, but Mamukelashvili stood out as a leading contributor for the team. He also logged a plus-36 rating during his time on the floor, underscoring Georgia’s dominance when he was on the court. The games were part of the second round of qualifying for the 2027 FIBA World Cup, with Georgia set to face Portugal on August 31. Having advanced through the opening stage of World Cup qualifying, Georgia still has five more games in the second round as it bids to reach the World Cup for a second consecutive tournament.

Following the upcoming matchup with Portugal, Mamukelashvili is expected to return to the United States to join the Lakers ahead of training camp. He is one of several offseason additions to a revamped Lakers frontcourt, which is also featuring players like Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney, Ziaire Williams, and rookie Cameron Carr as the organization builds a new supporting cast around core players. Mamukelashvili’s moves in free agency reflected rising value, as he ultimately signed a four-year contract worth $52 million after teams including the Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, and Minnesota Timberwolves showed interest.

The Lakers’ investment in Mamukelashvili signals a commitment to a versatile big man who can stretch the floor. In the 2025-26 season, the forward-turned-center posted career highs with 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, while shooting 52.3% from the field. Notably, his three-point shooting has improved, connecting on 38.9% of attempts during that season on 3.7 attempts per game, building on a 37.3% mark the year before. Across 271 NBA appearances, he has maintained a solid 36.6% three-point shooting rate.

This shooting ability gives the Lakers added floor-spacing dimensions in the frontcourt, allowing him to pull bigger defenders away from the basket and provide additional driving lanes for Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves in various lineups. Mamukelashvili’s blend of shooting, passing, and versatility has already translated in international play, and the Lakers will be hoping those qualities translate smoothly to the NBA once he joins the team in Los Angeles.