Jul 18, 2026 3:30 PM

How does Sandro Mamukelashvili feel about being teammates with Luka Doncic?

The Los Angeles Lakers have made massive changes to their roster this offseason, losing five rotation players, including LeBron James. 

Gone are LeBron, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, and Luke Kennard. 

All five started in the playoffs for the team, helping the Lakers defeat the Houston Rockets in the first round. 

With those five out, the Lakers added Walker Kessler Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Jaden Hardy, and Kevon Looney

In making the roster changes, the Lakers were hoping to put a team around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves that better suited their skills as creators rather than sticking with a big three approach that was present with LeBron. 

Sandro Mamukelashvili Speaks

Speaking to the media, Sandro Mamukelashvili addressed being teammates with Luka. 

"Luka and me, born the same year, so like being in Europe, I used to see a lot about Luka and grew up kind of like seeing how good he was and how big he was at that early age. So, it’s cool to just be his teammate now, cause I remember there was rankings in Europe and like I would always see he was always No. 1. So, I was like just trying to get there, get there. Now just being his teammate, it’s amazing and I really do think like he’s going make my life a lot easier," he said. 

Sandro spent last season with the Toronto Raptors, averaging 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds,  and 1.9 assists while shooting 52% from the field and 38% from three. He finished tenth in Sixth Man of the Year voting. 

He did struggle in the playoffs as the Raptors lost in seven games in the first round against the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Sandro averaged five points, five rebounds, and one assist, but shot just 40% from the field and 28% from three. 

Sandro's Fit

While Sandro came off the bench last season for Toronto, he could find himself as the starter in Los Angeles. 

He'll be battling Jake LaRavia for the starter's spot, but he likely has the inside track with his outside shooting and rebounding. 

He's more than just an outside shooter as well on the offensive end. He proved to be a strong connector with the Raptors, moving the ball and making the right read on that end of the floor. 

While Kessler will start at the center position, Sandro can also play the five in a small ball lineup if the Lakers want to play five-out with certain looks. 

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