Los Angeles Lakers newcomer Sandro Mamukelashvili has given fans an early glimpse of what he could bring to the franchise this season.
The 27-year-old made his return to the Georgian national team on Sunday following a one-year absence and immediately made his presence felt.
Mamukelashvili recorded 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals as Georgia secured an impressive 101-90 victory over Israel at the Otar Korkia and Nodar Jorjikia Tbilisi Sports Palace.
His all-around performance offered an encouraging early sign for the Lakers ahead of his first season in Los Angeles.
Lakers’ Sandro Mamukelashvili Shines on International Return
The matchup served as Georgia’s second preparation game ahead of the second round of qualifying for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.
Six Georgian players finished in double figures, with Orlando Magic big man Goga Bitadze leading the way with 22 points and eight rebounds.
Mamukelashvili will next suit up against Montenegro on August 28 at the same venue before Georgia travels to face Portugal on August 31.
After advancing through the opening stage of World Cup qualifying, Georgia now faces another six games in the second round. A successful campaign would send the country to the World Cup for a second consecutive tournament.
Mamukelashvili’s international return comes shortly after spending time with his new Lakers teammates in Slovenia.
Los Angeles travelled to the country for a Luka Doncic-led minicamp and bonding trip ahead of the new season, with players spotted together around the streets of Ljubljana.
The trip offered the new-look group an early opportunity to build chemistry following an offseason of sweeping changes, headlined by the high-profile departure of LeBron James.
Mamukelashvili was among several additions and will form part of a revamped frontcourt led by Walker Kessler.
The Georgian reportedly attracted interest from several teams, including the Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, and Minnesota Timberwolves, before choosing Los Angeles on a four-year, $52 million contract.
Mamukelashvili Brings Valuable New Dimension to LA
The Lakers made a significant commitment to secure Mamukelashvili amid competition for his signature, including a $13.6 million player option in the final year of his deal.
That option arrives in 2029-30 and gives the Georgian some flexibility over the latter stages of the contract. Depending on his development and the market at the time, Mamukelashvili could potentially return to free agency while still in his prime.
Mamukelashvili entered free agency after turning down a $2.8 million player option with Toronto, putting himself on the open market following the most productive season of his NBA career.
After earning $2.4 million last season and salaries of $2.1 million and $2 million in the previous two campaigns, his move to Los Angeles reflects how considerably his value has risen.
During the 2025-26 season, the 6-foot-9 big man established career highs with 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while connecting on 52.3% of his shots from the field.
His ability to stretch defenses was equally encouraging. Mamukelashvili shot 38.9% from three-point range on 3.7 attempts per contest, improving on his 37.3% mark from the previous campaign.
That production was not simply a one-season anomaly. Across 271 career NBA appearances, he has converted 36.6% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
For the Lakers, that shooting provides a different dimension in the frontcourt. Mamukelashvili can pull opposing big men away from the basket while offering Doncic and Austin Reaves another floor-spacing option across a variety of lineups.
Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney, and Ziaire Williams have also arrived in Los Angeles, alongside rookie Cameron Carr, as the Lakers attempt to build a new supporting cast around their established core.
Lakers’ $52 Million Newcomer Sends Strong Message Ahead of New Season